Colombia's Petro bans military sites for new president's oath

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro ordered that no military or police garrison be used for the inauguration of incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for August 7. Petro emphasized that civil ceremonies must remain civilian, stating, “I do not authorize any military installation to be prepared for a civil inauguration.” The directive was issued days before the transition, aiming to keep the armed forces out of political symbolism.

In his final public acts, Petro also oversaw the return of Simón Bolívar’s historic sword from the Casa de Nariño to the Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar. The relic was moved in a crystal‑filled urn, guarded by the Presidential Guard, and a crowd accompanied the procession through Bogotá. Petro announced the move on X, linking the sword’s return to the closing of his administration and Colombia’s independence celebrations.