President De La Espriella prioritizes security and audits CRIC funds

President Abelardo De La Espriella has announced that his administration will prioritize security as the foundational pillar for the 2026-2030 National Development Plan. Speaking in Pereira, the President emphasized that economic growth and regional investment are impossible without state-guaranteed safety and a firm stance against terrorism, extortion, and illegal territorial control.

In a separate development, the President issued a warning to the Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC) ahead of an indigenous summit scheduled for October 11-14. De La Espriella stated that while his government respects peaceful protest, it will not negotiate under pressure or through illegal blockades. He also ordered a detailed audit of 1.13 trillion pesos reported as delivered to the CRIC through concerted government plans, promising a review “peso por peso” (peso by peso).

The CRIC has responded by calling the President’s statements “misinformed” and “decontextualized.” Organization leaders clarified that the upcoming summit is intended to discuss internal indigenous matters and socio-political issues, denying any plans to block the Pan-American highway.