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Colombia President lifts firearm carry permit suspension
President Abelardo de la Espriella has implemented a major shift in Colombian security policy by signing Decree 1368 of 2026. This decree lifts the general suspension of firearm carry permits that had been in place since 2014. The measure restores the validity of existing permits for individuals who already meet legal requirements, though officials clarify it does not grant automatic authorization to the general public or relax existing controls.
Simultaneously, the administration has moved to dismantle the 'Total Peace' policy inherited from the previous government. Through several resolutions, the government has terminated all ongoing dialogue processes and socio-legal spaces with criminal and terrorist organizations, including the ELN and the Clan del Golfo (EGC). The president also revoked the official designations of negotiators involved in these talks and ordered the closure of a temporary location zone in Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo.
De la Espriella criticized the previous administration, alleging that over 7,000 million pesos were spent on negotiators while criminal groups strengthened. He stated that under his leadership, criminal groups will not receive political status or impunity, emphasizing a policy based on submission to justice and the use of state force.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Clan del Golfo · Colombia · ELN · Indumil · La Silla Vacía · Valle del Cauca
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An analysis by La Silla Vacía suggests that relaxing carry permits may increase violence rather than improve security. www.boyacadigital.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Of an estimated 5 million firearms in Colombia, only between 700,000 and 900,000 have active legal registration or permits. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Official costs for legal firearms at Indumil range between 4,100,000 and 6,500,000 COP. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.asuntoslegales.com.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new decree restores permits for those who already met requirements but does not imply free sale or relaxed controls. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 6 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368 of 2026 to lift the general suspension of weapon carry permits. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · elexpediente.co · eltecolote.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government ordered the closure of a temporary location zone in Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo, effective September 30. www.colombia.com · www.las2orillas.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government revoked official representatives participating in negotiations with the ELN and the Clan del Golfo (EGC). www.colombia.com · www.las2orillas.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella terminated all inherited dialogue processes and socio-legal spaces with criminal and terrorist structures. periodismopublico.com · www.colombia.com · laopinion.co · www.las2orillas.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] Criminal groups will not receive political status or benefits from recognition under the new administration. periodismopublico.com · laopinion.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The previous administration spent over 7,000 million pesos on fees for spokespersons and negotiators. periodismopublico.com · laopinion.co