'Colombia fell into drug trafficking,' President Petro admits failures
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has acknowledged shortcomings in his government’s “Youth in Peace” programme, saying more must be done to prevent young people from being drawn into violence and organised crime.
Speaking on during a meeting with beneficiaries of the initiative, Petro linked Colombia’s long history of violence to drug trafficking, corruption and deep social inequality.
“Colombians have killed each other for entire generations due to revenge, small things, things of no importance, and above all, a lot of social exclusion,” Petro said.
He described Colombia as one of the world’s most unequal countries and said drug trafficking had fuelled violence and corruption for decades.
Petro later admitted that his administration had failed to fully meet its goals under the Youth in Peace programme, particularly in stopping the recruitment of young people by armed groups and criminal networks.
“This government did not fulfil 100 percent with ‘Youth in Peace’ and more needs to be done,” he said. “Colombia fell into drug trafficking.”
The programme is one of Petro’s flagship social initiatives and aims to provide vulnerable young people with financial assistance, educational opportunities and psychosocial support to prevent recruitment by gangs and illegal armed groups.
Among those attending the event was a participant identified as Daniel, who said the programme should be expanded and protected.
“It is a process that should continue,” he said, adding that it should defend “the rebelliousness of all youth.”
Colombia continues to face violence linked to dissident guerrilla factions, drug trafficking groups and organised crime networks despite ongoing government peace efforts.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
