Colombia is bracing for heightened security risks ahead of the presidential inauguration scheduled for Friday, August 6, 2026. Outgoing Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez warned of a significant terrorism threat targeting the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.

Speaking to radio station La FM on Wednesday, Sanchez said authorities were actively tracking a threat against the event, stating, “Most likely, these criminals would attempt to disrupt this democratic event with acts of terrorism.”

The inauguration will take place in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city in the southwest, a region recently affected by militia attacks. De la Espriella, 48, who narrowly won the June presidential run-off, requested Congress to relocate the ceremony from the capital, Bogota, to Cali despite its proximity to areas controlled by rebel groups.

To secure the event, Colombia’s military is deploying approximately 11,000 troops and has imposed a no-fly zone on drones over Cali and its surroundings.

Several international dignitaries, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador, as well as Spain’s King Felipe VI, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Petro, who has disputed the election results, announced he will not attend the inauguration.

Sources