Is Colombia the Latest Country Failing in the Drug War According to the U.S.?

The Trump administration's recent decision to include Colombia on its list of nations failing to cooperate in the drug war marks a significant shift in U.S.-Colombian relations, reflecting escalating cocaine production and deteriorating diplomatic ties. This is the first time in nearly 30 years that Colombia has received such a designation, highlighting the challenges the country faces amidst its ongoing battle with drug trafficking.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Colombia has been added to the U.S. list of countries failing to meet counternarcotics obligations.
• This designation is the first since 1997, reflecting a significant shift in U.S.-Colombian relations.
• Despite this designation, the U.S. issued a waiver to avoid major aid cuts, citing national interests.
• Cocaine production in Colombia has surged, with coca cultivation nearly tripling in the past decade.
• President Gustavo Petro's administration has faced criticism for its approach to drug eradication.
• U.S. law requires annual identification of countries not meeting international drug control commitments.

The Historical Context of U.S.-Colombia Relations

The U.S. has long viewed Colombia as a key ally in its fight against drug trafficking in Latin America. However, the relationship has gone through various phases of cooperation and tension. The last time Colombia was decertified was in 1997, under President Ernesto Samper, who faced allegations of collusion with drug cartels. This decision led to a significant reduction in U.S. aid, demonstrating the impact of such designations on bilateral relations.

Following Samper's presidency, Colombia received substantial U.S. support aimed at combating drug production and improving security. This included billions of dollars in military aid, training, and assistance for economic development. The joint efforts yielded some successes, particularly in reducing violence and stabilising certain regions.

Recent Developments in Cocaine Production

In recent years, however, the dynamics have shifted. A substantial increase in cocaine production has been observed, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reporting that the area of land dedicated to coca cultivation soared to a record 253,000 hectares in 2023. This increase is almost three times the size of New York City and underscores a worrying trend in Colombian drug production.

The surge in production can be traced back to various factors, including the suspension of aerial eradication programs and the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which emphasised rural development and voluntary crop substitution instead of punitive measures. As a result, coca cultivation has exploded, and the Colombian government has struggled to keep pace with eradication efforts.

The Impact of Policy Changes Under President Gustavo Petro

President Gustavo Petro's administration represents a significant ideological shift in Colombia's approach to drug policy. Petro, a former member of a leftist guerrilla group, has pursued a more lenient stance towards drug production, focusing on social and economic alternatives over aggressive eradication tactics. This has led to a marked slowdown in manual coca crop eradication, with just over 5,000 hectares cleared in the current year—far below the previous administration's efforts.

Petro's policies have drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the lack of cooperation on counternarcotics efforts, particularly regarding extradition requests for drug traffickers. Petro's comments regarding U.S. military actions against drug trafficking in Venezuela have further strained relations, as he has publicly distanced himself from U.S. counterterrorism strategies.

U.S. Response and Future Implications

In light of Colombia's recent designation as a non-cooperating country in the drug war, the U.S. administration has opted to issue a waiver of sanctions. This decision allows continued support despite the designation, citing U.S. national interests at stake. However, the implications of this designation are manifold, potentially complicating future cooperation on a range of issues beyond drug trafficking.

Experts, such as Adam Isacson from the Washington Office on Latin America, warn that such designations can hinder security cooperation and broader diplomatic relations. The blunt nature of the decertification process often leads to a chilling effect on collaboration across various sectors, including military and economic assistance.

The Broader Context: Cocaine Production in Latin America

The situation in Colombia is part of a larger pattern observed throughout Latin America, where drug production and trafficking continue to pose significant challenges. Countries like Bolivia and Venezuela have also faced scrutiny for their roles in the drug trade. The U.S. has added these nations to its watchlist in recent years, indicating a growing concern over the regional implications of drug trafficking.

In 2022, only three countries—Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela—were designated as failing to meet international counternarcotics obligations, with all receiving waivers to avoid sanctions. This trend suggests that while the U.S. maintains a tough stance on drug production, it also recognises the complexities involved in international relations and the need for continued support in addressing broader socioeconomic issues.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Colombia and the U.S.

The future of Colombia's counternarcotics efforts and its relationship with the U.S. remains uncertain. While the current administration under Petro may prioritise social and economic alternatives to drug production, the escalating cocaine production presents a significant challenge. The U.S. must navigate the delicate balance between supporting Colombia and addressing its growing drug issues.

As Colombia grapples with its domestic drug challenges and the impacts of U.S. policies, the ongoing dialogue between Washington and Bogotá will be crucial. The recent designation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of international relations in the fight against drug trafficking and the need for cooperative solutions that address the root causes of the drug trade.

FAQs

Why was Colombia added to the list of non-cooperating countries in the drug war?

Colombia was added to this list due to a significant increase in cocaine production, with coca cultivation nearly tripling over the past decade, coupled with a slowdown in eradication efforts under President Gustavo Petro.

What does the U.S. designation mean for Colombia?

The designation as a non-cooperating country can strain diplomatic relations and complicate U.S. assistance in various areas, although a waiver has been issued to avoid immediate sanctions.

How has Colombia's cocaine production changed over the years?

Cocaine production in Colombia has surged, with the area dedicated to coca cultivation reaching a record 253,000 hectares in 2023, indicating a troubling trend in drug production.

What are the implications of President Petro's drug policies?

President Petro's focus on social and economic alternatives to drug production has led to a slowdown in coca crop eradication, raising concerns among U.S. officials about cooperation on counternarcotics efforts.

What are the broader regional implications of Colombia's drug issues?

Colombia's challenges with drug production are indicative of a wider issue in Latin America, where countries like Bolivia and Venezuela are also grappling with similar drug-related challenges and scrutiny from the U.S.