Colombia's President-Elect Warns of Assassination Plot Ahead of Inauguration

Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia's president-elect, revealed on the night between Monday and Tuesday that a criminal conspiracy allegedly planned by guerrilla fighters aims to assassinate him just weeks before he assumes office. His security team reported receiving intelligence about a potential assassination plot during pre-inauguration meetings. The National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) reportedly offered nearly one million dollars to carry out an attack against de la Espriella.

The intelligence also indicates possible infiltration attempts by criminal elements at press conferences and public events linked to the president-elect. Despite the threats, de la Espriella has not altered his schedule and has called on authorities to investigate the source of the threat. The 47-year-old lawyer, millionaire, and far-right politician is set to be sworn in on August 7. He has pledged direct action against illegal armed groups and intends to reverse disarmament initiatives pursued by outgoing President Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," plans to relocate Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, more than two years after Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict. His team announced last week intentions to restore relations with Israel on his first day in office. Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bola recently met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, agreeing to renew bilateral relations, open the embassy in Jerusalem, and mutually waive visa requirements. Israel is also preparing to appoint a new ambassador to Bogotá next week, following the return of the previous ambassador to Israel in June 2024 and the departure of Colombia's last ambassador from Israel at the same time.