Colombia: Government in Negotiations with Clan del Golfo Cartel

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the start of "talks" abroad with the Clan del Golfo, the country's largest drug cartel.

The Clan del Golfo, with over 7,500 members, is the largest exporter of cocaine and poses a significant security challenge.

The talks are taking place outside Colombia with the self-proclaimed Gaitanista Army, as stated by Mr. Petro in Cordoba.

The Clan del Golfo, also known as Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC), insists it is a political organization and not a drug cartel, requesting similar treatment to rebel organizations.

The government has proposed to Congress the reduction of sentences for members of criminal organizations who disarm.

In 2023, 2,530,000 acres of illegal coca crops were recorded in Colombia, according to a UN report.

The Trump administration will decide in September whether to renew Colombia's certification as an ally in the fight against drugs.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ