First Decisions of the New Government in Kolombiya: ESMAD is Returning

The newly elected President of Kolombiya, Abelardo de la Espriella, continues to announce the critical decisions his administration will make before taking office. In his statement made on 6 Temmuz, he officially confirmed the appointment of retired General Jorge Eduardo Mora as the Minister of Defense. Immediately following this significant appointment, it was announced that a regulation would be signed that would radically change the country's security policies. The new administration will take the necessary steps for the Anti-Riot Mobile Squadron (ESMAD), which was disbanded during the term of former President Gustavo Petro, to resume its operations. Accordingly, the decree terminating the existence of the Dialogue and Maintenance of Order Unit (UNDMO), which was established in place of ESMAD, will be revoked.

The appointed Minister of Defense, Jorge Eduardo Mora, explained the background of this decision in detail in an interview given to the Ulusal Haberler channel. Mora emphasized that the government will repeal a series of legal regulations that tie the hands of law enforcement in ensuring public order. He stated that Decree No. 003, which dismantled ESMAD and prevented the police from intervening, will be annulled, adding that this situation will now change. He added to his remarks that the operational capacities of the security forces will be re-established, provided that they remain within the framework of human rights and international humanitarian law. It was stated that the aim is to control acts of violence and fully ensure street security.

The aforementioned changes stand out as a reflection of the tense processes in the recent political and social history of Kolombiya. ESMAD had faced serious criticism due to its harsh interventions during the massive social demonstrations that took place before 2022 and spread across the country, during the government of former President Gustavo Petro. Following this social explosion, reform processes were initiated to control the demonstrations with a more civilian approach and to ensure public order through different methods. In this context, the UNDMO unit, which prioritized dialogue and consensus, was established in place of ESMAD. Now, however, the new administration views this policy as a failure and a weakness in terms of national security, bringing the use of hard force back to the agenda.

Another important step announced by the new President is the establishment of a new structure called the Defense Block for Urban Security in order to ensure the security of cities. The establishment decree of this new defense block is planned to be signed on 7 Ağustos, the day the President officially takes office. Although the project is supported by some local authorities, it is harshly criticized by civil obedience and human rights organizations, who compare it to the controversial Convivir security cooperatives of the past. General Mora responded to the criticisms by stating that this new system aims to increase the direct cooperation of local leaders and officials with the police force. Through this, it is argued that the regional security understanding will be supported by local dynamics and made much more effective.

Minister of Defense Mora also explained in detail the underlying philosophy and operation of this new defense block project to be established. The government stated that they aim for the public and the military to form a perfect synergy and unite as a single force. It was emphasized that within this structure, local administrators, the police force, veterans, and the business world are expected to form a joint front against pro-violence elements. Furthermore, it was reported that this unit will expedite express judicial processes that will ensure suspects are quickly brought to justice. It was also expressed that the processes of confiscating assets used in the commission of crimes and their transfer to the state, meaning the termination of ownership, will be strengthened thanks to this new block.