Playing LEGO with Colombian security
A la Obama or Trump, Gustavo Petro initiated his presidency with apparent use of executive orders. They don’t even need to be written down -- just uttered into the presidential microphone, in any meeting, before any small population, at any time of day. In most instances, the new approach comes transmitted by new officials. Typically, the new head of an institution has expressed deep mistrust in the way things have been handled for decades, and hence his or her elevation clearly signifies a U-turn in public policies.
However, where changes seem swifter and more far-reaching is on issues related to security, cocaine trafficking and the regional chain of command. Here Petro seems to be playing LEGO. The problem may lie in the huge difference between disarming a big LEGO (e.g., the Taj Mahal, Bernabeu Stadium or the Death Star) and then trying to build some other working model instead, without clear instructions. The bricks may be the same, yet the shape, order and discipline will make one hell of a difference.
Below we review some fronts where Petro and his ministers are seriously reshaping the whole LEGO of Colombian security, politics and anti-cocaine trafficking policy. For example in Catatumbo, a region close to the Venezuelan border dominated by ELN guerrillas and coca planters, Petro was received in the main square by the “peasant guard.” The president announced that the country's first “national coca growers' assembly” will be held in the region, and that Catatumbo will be the capital and front line of peace. There is a clear line connecting the dots of 1) policy measures towards the military, 2) the politics of regions dominated by coca growers, and 3) Petro’s Total Peace agenda. Will all this end in total peace, rainbows and unicorns -- or could it unravel into violence, chaos and lawlessness? Only time will tell.
Now read on...
Register to sample a report