Colombia’s defence chief: US-Venezuela crisis risks regional fallout | Talk to Al Jazeera

Key Concepts

• Total Peace (Paz Total): President Gustavo Petro's ambitious plan to end decades of conflict in Colombia through negotiation and security.
• Drug Trafficking: The central issue driving much of Colombia's conflict, involving cocaine production, manufacturing, and international distribution.
• Armed Groups: Various criminal organizations, including the ELN and FARC dissidents, who control territories and engage in illegal economies.
• US-Venezuela Tensions: The escalating dispute between the United States and Venezuela, with potential implications for Colombia's security and peace efforts.
• Illicit Economies: The reliance on drug trafficking and illegal mining as primary income sources for armed groups.
• Crop Substitution: A strategy to replace illicit crops like coca with legal alternatives to address the root causes of drug production.
• International Cooperation: The necessity of collaboration between countries to combat transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking.
• Humanitarian Aid and Public Force: Colombia's commitment to providing assistance and maintaining security in the face of potential threats.
• Recruitment of Minors: The tragic practice of armed groups enlisting children and adolescents, and the government's efforts to combat it.
• Anti-Drug Trafficking Mission: The US military's deployment of assets in the Caribbean, framed as a mission to combat drug trafficking.

Summary

The Challenge of "Total Peace" Amidst Rising Violence and Regional Tensions

President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" initiative, aimed at achieving comprehensive security and ending Colombia's protracted conflicts, is facing significant challenges. Despite the ambitious vision, armed groups are expanding their influence in regions like Catatumbo and Cauca, leading to forced displacement and a resurgence of the drug-driven economy. Compounding these domestic issues are growing tensions between Colombia and the United States regarding military cooperation and funding, as well as the broader regional dispute involving Venezuela.

US-Venezuela Tensions and Their Impact on Colombian Security

The transcript highlights concerns about the potential impact of escalating US-Venezuela tensions on Colombia's peace efforts. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez Suarez acknowledges the hypothetical risks, stating that an attack on Venezuela could lead to increased migration into Colombia and attempts by criminal groups to cross the border. Colombia, however, asserts its readiness to provide humanitarian aid and employ its public force to counter any drug-trafficking threats. The minister clarifies that while the US has increased military assets in the Caribbean for anti-drug trafficking, Colombia's cooperation with the US on drug interdiction is primarily through the Department of State, focusing on information exchange and procedures where lethal force is only used in legitimate defense. Actions by the US Department of Defense are viewed as separate.

Colombia's Stance on Sovereignty and Drug Trafficking

Colombia emphasizes its respect for national sovereignty and adheres to UN agreements. The country is actively working with the US and European nations to combat drug trafficking, with Colombian intelligence playing a crucial role in intercepting drug shipments destined for Europe. The Defense Minister strongly refutes any notion that President Petro promotes or develops drug trafficking, asserting that the President is "obsessed" with eliminating it and has implemented programs for eradication and substitution of illicit crops.

Addressing Transnational Drug Routes and Arms Flow

The discussion delves into the complexities of drug trafficking routes, noting that criminals utilize multiple pathways, including the Pacific, Caribbean, and land/river routes towards Brazil and Africa. While acknowledging that some drugs reach the US via Venezuela, the minister points out that a significant portion travels through the Pacific. Colombia's current focus is on combating criminal groups within its territory. The government is also working to control the flow of arms into Colombia, with an estimated 42% originating from the United States, and is seeking cooperation to prevent this.

"Total Peace" as a State Policy and its Implementation

The "Total Peace" policy is presented as a state policy, not just a government initiative, approved by Congress. It allows for negotiated exits with criminal groups without interrupting the actions of the public force. The transcript reveals a significant increase in offensives against criminal groups, with a 50% rise in operations and a 23% increase in neutralization of group members, totaling around 4,000 individuals neutralized this year. The persistent issue of criminal recruitment is attributed to illegal economies, particularly drug trafficking and illegal mining. The minister stresses that while military action is crucial, a comprehensive approach involving state institutions and opportunities is necessary for lasting peace.

Case Study: Catatumbo Region

The Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela, serves as a case study illustrating the complexities of the conflict. Two groups, the ELN and FARC dissidents, clashed over drug territories, causing significant displacement, confinement, and assassinations of peasants. Paradoxically, these same groups unite to confront other criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo. While territorial control has been partially recovered (70%), the restoration of institutional presence remains a challenge. The ELN's modus operandi, including operating within civilian populations, using drones, and employing terrorist tactics, makes them difficult to combat. Efforts to improve connectivity through air routes and promote legal economies alongside illicit crop substitution are underway.

Combating the Recruitment of Minors

The recruitment of children and adolescents is described as a tragedy, with a 47% reduction in Cauca compared to the previous year. The government's strategy involves providing opportunities, collaborating with various ministries (Education, Culture, Sports, ICBF) for prevention, and targeting high-value recruiters. Seven key recruiters in Cauca were identified, with six neutralized and two surrendering, citing a lack of future in criminal life. The manipulation and use of children as "cannon fodder" are highlighted as grave concerns.

Global Drug Problem and Colombia's Counter-Narcotics Efforts

The global drug problem is framed as a public health issue, with 316 million people worldwide consuming drugs, 7% of whom use cocaine. Colombia is actively disrupting the entire drug trafficking chain, from production to transportation and commercialization. This includes destroying laboratories, targeting inputs like gasoline, and interdicting shipments. This year, 820 tons of drugs have been intercepted, a 7% increase from the previous year, and a total of 2,700 tons of cocaine have been prevented from reaching consumers, marking the largest seizure in Colombian history. Extraditions are also a significant component, with 780 individuals extradited during the current government's term.

Data and Statistics on Drug Production and Interdiction

While some critics suggest increased seizures indicate higher production, the transcript presents data showing a decline in the ascent of drug cultivation under the current government, reaching only 3% in the last year compared to 43% four years prior. Discrepancies in UN data are attributed to outdated maps. The illegality of cocaine, not coca leaf itself, is emphasized. The government's focus has shifted from eradication to substitution of illegal economies, as eradication alone has proven ineffective, leading to nomadic cultivation.

The "Carrot and Stick" Approach to Drug Trafficking

A dual approach of "garrote" (force) and "zanahoria" (incentive) is advocated for addressing the drug problem. Colombia is taking a firm stance against criminal actors while simultaneously creating opportunities for economic change. The example of the Vichada region, where communities replaced 100 hectares of coca with cacao, leading to increased wealth and security, is cited as a successful model. The question is posed to consumer countries: if reducing production is seen as easy, why not reduce consumption?

Complexities of Illicit Economies and International Cooperation

The drug problem is described as a "wicked problem" involving a convergence of actors, similar to the challenges posed by illegal gold mining. The transcript confirms no suspension in cooperation with the United States on drug interdiction, stressing that transnational crime requires international responses, and fractured international relations benefit criminals. Colombia is portrayed as a leading nation in combating drug trafficking, with nearly 150 uniformed personnel lost this year, highlighting their role as "global heroes."

Shared Values and Future Cooperation with the United States

Colombia and the United States share common ground in their commitment to democracy, freedom, respect for nations, and sovereignty. They also share the common enemy of drug trafficking, though their approaches may differ. The transcript indicates a commitment to strengthening capabilities, including anti-drone technology, and ongoing cooperation with the US across various sectors, including defense.