Colombia Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez to Temporarily Leave Office as Transition to President‑Elect Abelardo De La Espr

Pedro Sánchez Abelardo De La Espriella Defence Blocks Colombia transition urban security

Colombia’s defence minister, General (ret.) Pedro Sánchez, will step away from his duties from 14 July for approximately 20 days to undergo a scheduled surgical procedure. During his absence the vice‑minister Javier Baquero will assume temporary command, overseeing tasks such as the organisation of the Independence Day military parade on 20 July and the security agenda of the upcoming presidential transition.

The hiatus occurs as the country prepares for the constitutional transfer of power on 7 August from President Gustavo Petro to president‑elect Abelardo De La Espriella. The armed forces and police have publicly affirmed their recognition of De La Espriella and pledged to remain politically neutral, respecting the election results and the Constitution.

President‑elect De La Espriella has also announced the creation of “Bloques de Defensa” – mixed units of police, prosecutors and reservists – to be deployed in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga to combat theft, extortion and homicides. The proposal, part of his “hard‑line” security platform, seeks to address rising crime rates in these major cities.