In brief
The US government has designated Colombia as 'failing to cooperate' in the drug war, noting a surge in cocaine production amid President Gustavo Petro's administration. Despite the designation, the US will maintain its aid to Colombia, citing national interests. The Colombian government denies the allegations and attributes the rise in coca cultivation to actions taken during the prior administration.
The United States has officially named Colombia as a country which has demonstrably failed to uphold its obligations to control drug trafficking.
Each year, the US government formally certifies whether several countries are fully co-operating with US-led counternarcotic efforts, and those which are found to be wanting risk having their US funding cut.
On Monday, the Trump administration reported that cocaine production in Colombia surged to all-time highs under left-wing president Gustavo Petro, a claim Petro denied.
However, the US said it would not cut off aid to the country, citing US national interests for its decision.
Other countries failing to meet their targets include Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, and Venezuela. This marks Colombia's first inclusion on the list since 1997.
The US designation is likely to strain relations further between the Colombian government and the Trump administration. Petro took to social media to refute the claims, highlighting that substantial increases in coca cultivation occurred under former president Iván Duque.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), coca bush cultivation increased by 10% in 2023, with Colombia continuing to be a top producer of cocaine.
The US asserted that Petro's peace talks with armed groups undermined efforts in the drug fight, blaming his administration for not meeting drug control obligations.
Despite the negative assessment, the US praised Colombia's security forces and left the possibility open for re-certification if Colombia strengthens its coca eradication efforts.
Looking ahead, the Colombian government is focused on addressing the demand for cocaine in the US and Europe to effectively tackle coca cultivation.
