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Colombia’s outgoing Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez has warned of possible “acts of terrorism” during the inauguration of president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella, as authorities prepare for a major security operation ahead of Friday’s ceremony in Cali.
The event will take place in the southwestern city, which has recently experienced attacks linked to armed groups operating in the region.
De la Espriella, 48, had requested that the inauguration be moved from the capital, Bogota, to Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, despite its closeness to areas where rebel factions maintain a presence.
Sanchez said security agencies had identified a potential threat targeting the ceremony, which will be attended by several international leaders, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Ecuador, as well as Spain’s King Felipe VI.
“Most likely these criminals would attempt to disrupt this democratic event with acts of terrorism,” Sanchez told Colombian radio broadcaster La FM on Wednesday.
Colombian authorities have announced the deployment of 11,000 troops to protect the inauguration venue, visiting dignitaries and members of the public. Officials have also restricted drone flights over Cali and surrounding areas after armed groups previously used drones to drop explosives.
The security concerns are heightened by the presence of a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in nearby Cauca province. The group is led by Ivan Mordisco, the alias of Colombia’s most wanted guerrilla commander.
De la Espriella won the June presidential runoff by a narrow margin after campaigning on a tough security platform. He pledged to dismantle outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” policy, which focused on negotiating with various armed groups to reduce violence.
The president-elect had initially considered holding his inauguration in Cauca but later changed the location, citing weather conditions. Authorities are now carrying out extensive preparations to ensure the ceremony proceeds safely.
