António Guterres warns of risks to Colombia peace deal

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of potential risks to the implementation of Colombia’s peace agreement following a significant shift in national security policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Since assuming office on August 7, 2026, the De la Espriella administration has ended dialogue processes with illegal armed groups and intensified military operations aimed at territorial control and the capture of high-ranking leaders. The government has also classified all armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, as terrorist organizations.

Guterres noted that while the administration has expressed intent to uphold constitutional obligations and the 2016 peace pact, a full implementation approach has yet to be defined. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the coming years will be decisive for consolidating previous progress and leveraging opportunities to reduce violence and expand state presence.