Background and Significance of the Certifications
Since 1986, the United States has conducted an annual evaluation of anti-narcotic efforts in about twenty drug-producing and distributing countries. This assessment, known as the certification, determines eligibility for crucial financial aid. For Colombia, this translates to approximately $380 million annually.
Colombia’s Current Situation
As of Monday, Colombia risks losing its anti-drug certification from the U.S., which would underscore the diplomatic stagnation between both governments amidst a significant U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.
Colombia’s Preparations
The Colombian Ambassador to the U.S., Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, stated that they are working until the last moment. He emphasized their commitment and reiterated their message throughout the year, saying, “We do it out of conviction.” The Colombian military commander and police director traveled to Washington for meetings throughout the previous week.
Impact of Desertifications
Should the U.S. decide to decertify Colombia, it would affect cooperation in combating cartels like the Clan del Golfo and guerrilla groups involved in drug trafficking, such as the ELN, along with FARC dissidents who broke away from the 2016 peace agreement. However, the implications can vary depending on the U.S. president, as per the Colombian ambassador.
Historical Context
The Samper Case (1996)
Colombia was first decertified in 1996 when Ernesto Samper, the president at the time, faced an allegation of campaign financing by the Cali Cartel. Although never proven, this incident led to Colombia’s loss of certification.
From 2000 to 2018, the U.S. provided Colombia with over $10 billion for military, social, and narcocrop eradication purposes. The U.S. remains Colombia’s primary commercial and military partner.
Current Political Climate
Since taking office in 2022, President Gustavo Petro has advocated for a shift in the war on drugs, deeming it a failure. He suspended forced eradication of coca plants, the primary component of cocaine.
Year after year, Colombia breaks its own records for coca cultivation and cocaine production. As of 2023, there are approximately 253,000 hectares of narcocrops and an annual production of at least 2,600 metric tons of cocaine, according to the latest UN report.
Strained U.S.-Colombia Relations
Relations between former President Trump and Petro have been tense, primarily due to Petro’s criticism of the U.S.’s migrant deportation policies. The rise in cartel cocaine production in Colombia coincides with the country’s worst security crisis since the FARC demobilization.
Guerrillas, who also fund themselves through illegal mining, frequently attack public forces and civilians. The government attributes these acts to desperation as they face operations against these cartels.
Just before the decision, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that decertification would benefit outlaws and harm nations. President Petro views the U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean, leading to the recent destruction of a supposed drug trafficking boat two weeks ago, as an affront. Eleven alleged drug traffickers died during this operation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the certification process? It’s an annual evaluation by the U.S. of anti-narcotic efforts in drug-producing and distributing countries, determining eligibility for financial aid.
- Who are the key figures involved? Colombian Ambassador to the U.S., Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Colombian military commander Almirante Francisco Cubides, and police director General Carlos Fernando Triana Beltrán.
- What are the potential consequences of decertification? It would affect cooperation in combating drug cartels and guerrilla groups, though the exact impact depends on the U.S. president.
- What is Colombia’s historical context with the U.S. regarding certifications? Colombia was first decertified in 1996 under President Ernesto Samper, who faced allegations of campaign financing by the Cali Cartel. The U.S. has been Colombia’s primary partner in military and commercial affairs since then.
- Why are U.S.-Colombia relations strained currently? Tensions stem from President Petro’s criticism of the U.S.’s migrant deportation policies and the rise in cartel cocaine production amidst a security crisis.
