Colombia President‑Elect De la Espriella names Medellín hub for security pact and alternate presidency

President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced that Medellín will host the headquarters of the “Escudo de las Américas,” a U.S.‑led security cooperation aimed at fighting drug trafficking and organized crime. The city will also become the main office of ProColombia, the agency that promotes exports, tourism and foreign investment. In addition, an alternate presidential office will be installed in the Palacio Rafael Uribe Uribe, with further satellite offices planned for Barranquilla and Cali.

The announcements were made during a regional transition meeting in Medellín attended by the governor of Antioquia, the mayor of the city and other departmental officials. De la Espriella linked the initiatives to a broader agenda of regional autonomy, security operations such as “Operación Cazador Antioquia,” and infrastructure investments across the department. The move positions Medellín as a strategic centre for national security and governance ahead of his inauguration on 7 August.