Abelardo De La Espriella Sworn In

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president in Cali, succeeding Gustavo Petro after narrowly defeating Petro-backed Iván Cepeda Castro in a June runoff. The U.S. State Department announced plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to his government, sending a delegation led by Attorney General Todd Blanche. De la Espriella used his inaugural address to pledge an all-out campaign against drug cartels and rebel groups and to reverse key elements of Petro’s peace agenda. He also said he would revive oil and gas production, restore Ecopetrol and strengthen the electricity system.