colombia to End Reliance on U.S. for Presidential Security, Develop domestic Arms Industry
BOGOTÁ - Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the country will return weapons and equipment used for presidential security provided by the United States, signaling a shift towards complete defense autonomy and a future as an arms exporter. The decision, revealed in a recent speech, comes at the request of Washington and reflects a commitment to bolstering Colombia‘s own arms manufacturing capabilities.
Petro framed the reliance on foreign weaponry for protecting the nation’s leader as a “historical mistake” and an “unworthy act.” He stated, “Weapons were not of us… I think it’s an unworthy act, having been taking care here with weapons from another government.” The move underscores a broader policy initiative to decrease dependence on external suppliers and invest in a national defense industry capable of generating revenue through exports. Petro projected that a “good part of the budget of the Ministry of Defense” will eventually be allocated to rifle exports globally.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the President’s announcement Wednesday, deferring further details and emphasizing Petro’s constitutional authority over international relations, stating, “At this time I simply inform that it is the President… The person in charge of managing international relations and also through the Colombian Foreign Ministry.”
Petro assured the public that Colombia does not need the returned equipment, citing advancements in national manufacturing.He concluded his speech with a stark declaration: “We don’t care if they kill us.” The President’s statements signal a possibly significant recalibration of Colombia’s security posture and its relationship with the United States.
