Colombia minister warns of ‘terrorism’ threat at presidential inauguration

Colombia's outgoing defence minister Pedro Sanchez has raised concerns about security risks surrounding the presidential inauguration scheduled for Friday in the southwestern city of Cali. Speaking to radio station La FM, Sanchez indicated that authorities had identified threats to the event and suggested that criminal elements might attempt to disrupt the proceedings through violent means.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who won a narrow victory in June's runoff election, requested that the handover ceremony be relocated from the capital Bogota to Cali, Colombia's third-largest city. The region has experienced recent militia violence, and nearby areas remain under the control of armed rebel groups.

The inauguration will draw significant international attendance, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador, as well as Spain's King Felipe VI. To manage security concerns, Colombia's military is positioning approximately 11,000 troops in the area and has established a no-fly zone for drones over Cali and surrounding regions, a measure prompted by previous incidents in which rebel fighters deployed explosive-laden drones.

The security situation reflects broader political tensions. De la Espriella campaigned on a platform opposing the outgoing president Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" strategy, which seeks negotiated settlements with armed groups. Petro has contested the election outcome and indicated he will not attend the ceremony.