CALI, Colombia, August 8, 2026(Nosheen): Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella has vowed to take a tougher stance against drug-running guerrillas and strengthen relations with the United States, marking a significant shift to the right for the Andean nation.De la Espriella, a 48-year-old former lawyer and dual US-Colombian citizen, took the presidential oath on Friday alongside Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo. The two leaders celebrated their inauguration with embraces and the military-style salute that became a hallmark of their election campaign.The new president has pledged to intensify military action against armed groups involved in drug trafficking, including bombing cocaine laboratories hidden in Colombia’s jungles. He has also promised to build “mega-prisons” and reduce the size of the government as part of his administration’s agenda.

His inauguration signals a new chapter in Colombia-US relations following four years of diplomatic tensions between Washington and the previous government. De la Espriella has expressed strong support for closer cooperation with US President Donald Trump, including the possibility of joint military operations and hosting US troops on Colombian soil.In a departure from tradition, the inauguration ceremony was held in Cali, Colombia’s southwestern city and renowned salsa capital, rather than at Congress in the capital, Bogota.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent international figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Todd Blanche, Trump’s acting attorney general, who led the US delegation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among the guests.Outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro did not attend the inauguration. Earlier, Petro departed the presidential residence in Bogota, reportedly bidding farewell as his administration came to an end.De la Espriella’s assumption of office is expected to usher in major changes in Colombia’s security, economic and foreign policies, particularly through closer strategic cooperation with the United States.