U.S. Decertifies Colombia as Drug Control Partner Over Soaring Cocaine Production and Tensions with President Gustavo Petro

In a significant development, the United States has for the first time since 1997 withdrawn its designation of Colombia as a partner in drug control efforts. The decision, outlined in a memorandum to Congress, cited Colombia’s failure to meet its obligations in combatting drug trafficking.

However, the White House refrained from imposing sanctions, instead offering Colombia a “national interest waiver” that preserves U.S. aid and security cooperation. This move brings relief to Colombia, which has been grappling with fears of stringent U.S. sanctions due to escalating cocaine production.

The decision, however, serves as a symbolic reprimand for a country traditionally regarded as one of Washington’s closest allies in the region. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior Colombia analyst at the International Crisis Group, stated, “This action underscores Washington’s discontent with Colombia’s current coca crop policy and the tensions between the two nations.”

Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer, is responsible for a record-breaking year in the global cocaine market, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) latest annual report published in June. The report revealed a 50% increase in Colombia’s estimated cocaine yield from 2022 to 2023.

The decertification was used by former U.S. President Donald Trump as an opportunity to criticize Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has had strained relations with the White House since a dispute over deportation flights in January. Trump accused Petro of fostering increased cocaine production and trafficking by narco-terrorist organizations in Colombia under his leadership.

Petro countered these claims, accusing the White House of deceit and instead pointing towards demand for drugs in the U.S. and Europe. He also criticized Petro’s peace negotiation policies with armed groups, stating that they took advantage of Petro’s naivety and ideological leanings.

Peace negotiations in Colombia have largely collapsed, leading to an escalation in conflict between the state and criminal groups, resulting in a surge of violent attacks in recent months. In response, Colombian politicians and security officials have recently lobbied top Republicans in Washington to maintain military aid to the country, fearing that a reduction could be devastating for Colombia’s ongoing offensive against armed groups.

Dickinson noted, “The message conveyed by the Colombian government, particularly its security forces, has been acknowledged in Washington. There is a clear security interest of the United States to maintain cooperation.”

In his memorandum to Congress, Trump praised Colombia’s police and military, recognizing their cooperation with U.S. security forces and their sacrifices in counter-narcotics efforts. He also described Colombia as “the closest U.S. ally in the Western Hemisphere against drug cartels and terrorist organizations.”

However, Dickinson suggested that decertification might be perceived as a betrayal by Colombia’s security forces, given the increased dangers they face amid Colombia’s deteriorating security situation. For over 25 years, Washington has been Bogota’s most significant ally, providing $14.2 billion in aid since 2000, with 64% of this funding going to Colombia’s military and police.

The decertification could potentially harm U.S. interests in the broader region as well. John Walsh, Director for Drug Policy and the Andes at WOLA, stated, “Waiving the sanctions may have been intended to soften the blow for Colombians, but the decertification will still raise questions about the United States’ reliability as a partner, even for its closest allies in the region.”

In addition to Colombia, the White House also withdrew designations for Afghanistan, Burma, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Earlier this month, Trump announced the second lethal strike on an alleged drug vessel outside Venezuelan waters, indicating a more aggressive approach to counter-narcotics operations in the region.