The mayors of Colombia’s largest cities are set to travel to Washington on September 7 in a high-stakes bid to prevent the U.S. from decertifying Colombia’s efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.
A potential decertification, an unprecedented move since the 1990s, could lead to an immediate withdrawal of millions of dollars in assistance aimed at combating drug-related crimes, straining bilateral relations, and impacting Colombia’s security and economy.
The mayors of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena—Carlos Fernando Galan, Federico Gutierrez, Alejandro Eder, Alejandro Char, and Dumek Turbay—have scheduled meetings with high-level officials at the State Department and members of Congress during their visit on September 8 and 9.
Their main objective is to convey the critical importance of U.S. support, emphasizing that any decertification could jeopardize not only essential resources for policing and counterterrorism but also diminish opportunities for international cooperation.
In addition to requesting the U.S. maintain Colombia’s certification, the mayors will propose a broader partnership related to security, economic development, democracy, and migration.
The urgency of their intervention stems from the potential repercussions of a U.S. decision. Should Washington withdraw its certification, Colombia could face automatic cuts to economic assistance specifically aimed at countering drug trafficking and the illegal economy.
Such assistance is vital, encompassing funding for military helicopters, troop deployments in conflict zones, and training programs that directly benefit local governments.
The stakes are high, according to experts, who warn that beyond losing crucial financial support, Colombia might face blocked access to credit from international institutions and punitive tariffs on its exports.
Alejandro Eder, the mayor of Cali, expressed the gravity of the situation by framing their mission as a defense of democracy within Colombia. Eder stated, “Investing in our cities reduces the risks of decertification, safeguards the strategic alliance between the United States and Colombia, and strengthens democracy in our country.”
The mayors described their efforts in light of a uniquely precarious moment for Colombia.
Under U.S. law, every September, the White House must report on the cooperation of major drug-producing or transit countries. This year, the performance indicators for Colombia are largely viewed as weak.
Relations between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and President Donald Trump have soured to unprecedented lows, further increasing anxiety over the possible consequences of decertification.
Cali has become a focal point in discussing the ramifications of dwindling security resources. Recently, the city has suffered violent attacks attributed to the Jaime Martinez Front, a guerrilla faction controlling coca trafficking in nearby regions.
A particularly devastating incident occurred on August 21, when a truck loaded with explosives detonated near a military academy in a residential area, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, injuring nearly 80, and destroying extensive commercial property. This attack marked the deadliest assault in Cali in over twenty years.
Mayor Eder has pointed out the limited resources available to local authorities, which hindered their ability to predict and prevent the bombing. He remarked, “We could not detect the trucks carrying explosives from Cauca to Cali, nor stop the attack that took the life of presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay.”
Eder cautioned that cutting off U.S. assistance would exacerbate vulnerabilities, warning, “If we are cut off from U.S. military aid through decertification, this threat will spiral further out of control and all Colombians will be at risk.”
Such concerns resonate throughout Colombia’s key urban areas, which already face challenges posed by organized crime, migration pressures, and struggling economies. By presenting their case directly to U.S. policymakers, the mayors hope to illustrate that punishing Colombia could destabilize cities critical to the nation’s overall stability.
In a surprising twist, President Gustavo Petro publicly criticized the mayors’ initiative, claiming they lacked constitutional authority to represent the nation abroad. On September 5, he took to social media, stating, “These mayors are not authorized to represent Colombia. The Constitution is clear. Certify us or not, Colombia’s Constitution must be respected.”
Medellín’s mayor, Federico Gutierrez, promptly responded, accusing Petro of authoritarian behavior. He asserted, “Petro, you already behave like a dictator. Of course, we will go, and yes, we represent our cities, which are an essential part of Colombia.”
Gutierrez emphasized their democratic right to advocate for their constituents, stating, “We don’t need your permission to defend our cities and Colombians.”
Despite the unfolding political tensions, the mayors remain resolute in their intention to advocate for stronger cooperation between U.S. agencies and Colombian cities, focusing particularly on areas such as policing, military coordination, and violence prevention.
image source from：colombiaone
