Colombia's New President: Abelardo de la Espriella Takes Office Amid Security Concerns Abelardo de la Espriella, a former army general and presidential candidate from the Democratic Center party, took office as Colombia's new president earlier this month.
He has vowed to intensify the fight against guerrilla groups that have plagued his country for decades.
De la Espriella's background in the military is deeply rooted in Colombia's complex security situation, which has seen the resurgence of leftist guerrillas and right wing paramilitary groups in recent years.