# Colombia Cali inauguration: security, protests, dry law > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-cali-inauguration-and-security-measures > Updated: 2026-08-06T23:06:27.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 4. In late July 2026, Colombia scheduled its presidential inauguration for 7 August in Cali, a move hailed for decentralisation but criticised for the heavy militarised presence and forced evictions in the Brisas de las Torres neighbourhood. A femicide case in the surrounding rural area and protests along the Cali‑Candelaria corridor highlighted ongoing gender‑based violence and demands for broader reforms. Ahead of the ceremony, authorities imposed a temporary ban on drone flights in Cali and nearby municipalities (Yumbo, Jamundí, Candelaria, Palmira). The restriction, enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority, allowed only armed forces, police, intelligence and emergency services to operate UAVs with special permission. On 2 August, the city announced a comprehensive dry‑law decree for inauguration day, prohibiting the sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol, the sale of fuel in informal containers, moving services and the transport of construction debris across all 22 communes and 15 districts from 06:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m. The decree also extended the drone ban from 00:00 6 August to 23:59 8 August, covering recreational, commercial and journalistic flights. The national defence ministry confirmed the deployment of more than 11 000 military and police personnel—including special‑operations, anti‑explosives, traffic, aerial and river units—coordinated by Defence Minister Angélica Verbel López, Mayor Alejandro Eder and Security Secretary Jairo García Guerrero. The Colombian National Army temporarily suspended civilian firearm and traumatic‑weapon permits for the inauguration weekend, with specific bans in Valle del Cauca, Bogotá and most of Cundinamarca. Security measures also spread to the neighbouring Cauca department, where the conflict‑prone Bajo Cauca subregion saw increased police presence, aerial monitoring, road closures and strict access controls to protect the ceremony despite ongoing illegal mining, coca cultivation and armed‑group activity. ## Claims - The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority issued a temporary prohibition on drone use in Cali, Yumbo, Jamundí, Candelaria and Palmira. (single source) - The restriction is effective from 00:00 on 6 August until 23:59 on 8 August. (single source) - The ban is due to the inauguration of President‑elect Abelardo De La Espriella on 7 August. (single source) - Both recreational and commercial drone operations are prohibited, including flights for journalism, advertising, technical inspections, topography, sports or training. (single source) - Only the Armed Forces, the National Police, intelligence agencies and emergency‑response bodies may operate drones with the required authorisation. (single source) - Violations can result in administrative sanctions, seizure of equipment and other actions prescribed by aviation regulations. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-06: Colombian opposition Pacto Histórico to boycott presidential inauguration Pacto Histórico and indigenous/Afro‑descendant groups will boycott Colombia's presidential inauguration, citing constitutional opposition rights and rejecting imposed restrictions on the ceremony. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-opposition-pacto-histrico-to-boycott-presidential-inauguration ### 2026-08-03: Colombia suspends gun permits during presidential inauguration Colombia’s army temporarily halted gun‑carrying permits in Valle del Cauca, Bogotá and Cundinamarca during the August 2026 presidential inauguration, with exemptions for security and government officials. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-suspends-gun-permits-during-presidential-inauguration ### 2026-08-02: Cali imposes dry law, bans drones and deploys 11,000 security forces for presidential inauguration Cali bans alcohol sales, fuel containers, moving services and drones while deploying over 11,000 security personnel for the 7 August presidential inauguration. 46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-city-police-and-army-launch-containment-ring-operation ### 2026-07-30: Colombia's Presidential Inauguration Move to Cali Sparks Displacement and Violence Concerns Colombia's 7 August presidential inauguration in Cali draws criticism as families face evictions in Brisas de las Torres, a femicide occurs in La Buitrera, and La Nubia residents protest broader social issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombias-presidential-inauguration-move-to-cali-sparks-displacement-and-violence-concerns --- Cite as: Colombia Cali inauguration: security, protests, dry law. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-cali-inauguration-and-security-measures