Washington / Bogotá, July 11 (Comprehensive Report)
On July 10, the United States and 12 member states of the “American Shield” alliance issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern” over Colombia’s escalating political crisis and calling on all Colombian parties to ensure a “peaceful, orderly, and transparent” transfer of power.
The statement, released by the U.S. Department of State, read: “We make a firm appeal to all Colombian authorities to act strictly in accordance with the constitution, law, and democratic principles… to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and transparent transition in a manner consistent with the highest standards of the rule of law.” The signatories include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Political Crisis Deepens
The joint statement comes against the backdrop of a deepening political crisis in Colombia since the second round of the presidential election on June 21. According to the official results published by the National Civil Registry, independent candidate Abelardo de la Espriella of the far‑right political group “Defenders of the Fatherland” won the presidency with approximately 52% of the vote, defeating Iván Cepeida of the ruling “Historical Pact” coalition.
However, incumbent President Gustavo Petro has repeatedly questioned the election results, alleging electoral fraud without providing any substantive evidence. Earlier this week, Petro told parliament: “Abelardo did not win the election.” Colombia’s National Electoral Council and international observers have stated that they found no signs of fraud.
President‑Elect Suspends Transition Process
In response to Petro’s ongoing challenges, President‑elect de la Espriella, who has received public support from U.S. President Trump, earlier this week asked his team to suspend the formal transition process with the Petro government (known in Colombia as the “empalme”), arguing that the current administration is exacerbating political instability.
De la Espriella went further, accusing Petro of attempting a “coup” to prevent the transfer of power. In a video message, he said that Petro and Cepeida are implementing a plan “to cling to power at all costs.”
Meanwhile, Petro has called on his supporters to hold a massive demonstration on July 20—the eve of Colombia’s Independence Day—to protest the election outcome.
Brazil Mediates, Petro Pledges Commitment
Notably, Brazil has played a mediating role in the crisis. On the morning of July 10, President Petro held a telephone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian presidential palace subsequently issued a statement saying that Petro “reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and a peaceful transition” and that he would step down as scheduled on August 6. Under the constitution, Petro cannot run for re‑election. The new president, de la Espriella, is scheduled to be sworn in on August 7.
First Political Stance by “American Shield” Alliance
The “American Shield” alliance was launched by President Trump in March at a summit of American nations convened in Florida, with the aim of strengthening cooperation against organized crime, illegal immigration, and regional security.
This joint statement marks the first time the alliance has taken a unified stance on the domestic political affairs of a member country. The statement emphasized: “The transition between governments is not a political concession, but a constitutional and institutional obligation.” It also warned that ignoring the official election results “constitutes a serious disregard for the popular will and the principles of the rule of law.”
This public pressure highlights the deep concern of Washington and its allies over Colombia’s political trajectory, and reflects the escalating rivalry between left‑ and right‑wing political forces in Latin America.