Abelardo de la Espriella Plans to Dismantle Colombia Peace Architecture

Targets for Dismantlement

Central to the president-elect’s agenda is the dissolution of the Office of the Peace Commissioner, which has overseen the "Total Peace" program. This initiative, developed by the outgoing administration of President Gustavo Petro, has focused on promoting dialogues with various armed groups currently operating in Colombia.

Furthermore, the president-elect has targeted the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), a judicial body created to address crimes committed during the conflict. De la Espriella has characterized the tribunal as a "failed" court, arguing that it is both costly and fosters impunity. The SJP is currently mandated to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity through 2028, with potential for further extensions. According to Alejandro Ramelli, president of the tribunal, the SJP has documented the scale of various atrocities, including more than 21,000 kidnappings by former FARC leadership and over 100 extrajudicial killings involving former military personnel.

Legal and International Stakes

The prospect of dismantling the SJP faces significant challenges. Analysts and legal experts note that the tribunal is protected by the Colombian Constitution and supported by the International Criminal Court. Ramelli warned that an "abrupt termination" of the court would place Colombia in a state of legal limbo and potentially in breach of international justice obligations. He stated that reducing the tribunal’s budget would negatively impact the fundamental right of victims to access justice. Conversely, some supporters of the incoming administration have argued via social media that the court’s budget requires strengthening to ensure the judicial truth of the conflict is established for national reconciliation.

Shifting Energy and Economic Policy

Beyond peace-related institutions, the incoming government is expected to pivot away from the environmental and energy policies prioritized by the Petro administration. President Petro had focused on diversifying the economy away from fossil fuels, contributing to a period where non-mining and non-energy exports accounted for 52.6% of the total in 2025.

In contrast, the president-elect has pledged to maximize fossil fuel extraction to address the country’s fiscal deficit, which reached 6.4% in 2025. Observers expect the new government to redirect Ecopetrol, the state-run oil company, toward increased hydrocarbon production and to expedite permitting for energy projects. There have also been discussions within the incoming camp regarding the potential elimination of the National Authority of Environmental Licences (ANLA), the agency responsible for overseeing high-impact projects.

Governance and Social Tensions

The transition period has been marked by friction between the outgoing government and the president-elect’s camp. While the president-elect’s team has accused outgoing officials of corruption, they have simultaneously faced criticism for stigmatizing regions that voted for the opposition and for announcing plans to remove the Monument to Resistance in Cali. As the country prepares for the upcoming transfer of power, the incoming government has indicated it will prioritize an "iron fist" approach to security and crime, a stance that aligns with the broader regional shift toward conservative leadership.

For further details on the transition and the president-elect’s agenda, see the reporting from Counterview, WSJ, Oilprice, and Newsday.