In a significant shift in policy, Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has enacted a new decree that relaxes the regulations surrounding the public carrying of legal firearms. This decision comes as part of his campaign promise to adopt a tough stance against crime, asserting that it is unjust for criminals to possess weapons while law-abiding citizens are left defenseless.
The recently signed decree lifts a decade-long suspension that prohibited even those with permits from carrying their firearms in public without further permission. De la Espriella has assured the public that despite this easing of restrictions, stringent regulations concerning gun ownership will still be enforced.
Details of the New Decree
While signing the decree, de la Espriella emphasized his commitment to his campaign promises, stating, “A man’s word is his honour, and I have honour, that’s why I keep my word.” The previous measure, which limited the carrying of firearms in public, was introduced by former President Juan Manuel Santos in December 2015 as a temporary safety precaution during the holiday season. However, it was extended annually by Santos and his successors, conservative Iván Duque and leftist Gustavo Petro.
Under the old regulations, even individuals with the necessary permits were unable to carry their firearms outside their homes unless they secured additional authorization. The new decree, according to estimates from Spanish publication El País, will enable nearly 700,000 legal gun owners in Colombia to carry their registered firearms publicly, as long as their permits are current.
Reactions to the Policy Change
The decision has sparked controversy, with some officials voicing serious concerns. Senator Ariel Ávila from the Green Alliance Party labeled the decree a “grave error,” warning that legally owned firearms could ultimately fall into the hands of criminals. He raised ethical concerns, arguing that only state security forces should be armed to ensure public safety.
Despite the backlash, President de la Espriella maintains that this policy adjustment will not compromise national security. He highlighted that security forces are actively targeting illegal firearms, having confiscated over 15,000 weapons so far this year. De la Espriella noted that the majority of these firearms were linked to dissident groups from the Farc rebel faction and the Gulf Clan criminal organization.
