/Colombia’s Security Situation Under Petro

Colombia’s military Faces a “readiness Debt” Under President⁢ Petro

Colombia’s armed forces⁤ are currently in “crisis management ‍mode” and burdened‍ by‍ a “readiness ​debt” due to policies enacted under President Gustavo Petro, according to⁣ security ⁣analyst Alfonso Camacho-Martinez.While not in “free fall” as he⁢ assessed in 2023, the military’s ‍operational⁢ capacity has been⁤ strained, allowing ‍criminal groups increased freedom of movement.

Background on ‌Petro’s policies ⁢and ‍initial Concerns

In⁢ 2023,Camacho-Martinez argued that ‌President ‍Petro’s actions significantly‍ weakened Colombia’s military,inadvertently strengthening armed non-state actors. ⁣His initial‍ concerns centered on perceived⁤ underfunding,⁤ personnel changes, and ​a shift in ‍strategic‌ priorities. These changes, he warned,⁤ would⁤ erode the military’s ability⁢ to effectively counter threats from groups ‍like⁢ the ELN (National Liberation Army) and various criminal organizations.

Current Assessment: Crisis Management,​ Not Collapse

As of January‌ 18, 2026, Camacho-Martinez notes a shift from a rapid ‍decline to a state of managing ongoing crises. The Colombian armed forces still possess valuable operational experience and maintain areas‌ of⁢ strength. However, accumulated deficiencies ⁢in readiness-the “readiness debt”-are increasingly apparent.⁤ This allows criminal groups to dictate the terms ‌of engagement⁢ in certain regions.

Camacho-Martinez initially detailed his concerns in an‌ article published in 2023, titled “By Weakening the Military, Colombia’s​ Petro Imperils His hopes for Peace.”

Image: U.S. National⁤ Guard