Entrevista con Pedro Sánchez: “Nos duele mucho los bombardeos en los que mueren menores de edad”

General Pedro Sánchez: A Year in Defense

Introduction to General Pedro Sánchez

• General Pedro Sánchez has been the Minister of Defense of Colombia since March 3, marking nearly a year in office.

• He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss security matters affecting Colombia and its citizens.

Transition from Military to Political Role

• Reflecting on his transition, he feels positive about his role as the first military officer in over three decades to hold this position.

• Initial skepticism from critics regarding his ability to engage politically has diminished over time.

Relationship with the Current Government

• His relationship with President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first ex-guerrilla president, is described as strong despite ideological differences.

• Emphasizes that when there is a common goal for the country, collaboration between military and government is effective.

Insights on Security Strategy

• Discusses learning opportunities within the military and police forces, highlighting their potential for positive contributions.

• Advocates for a balanced approach combining social investment (70%) with necessary armed action (30%) against structural issues like crime.

Evolving Military Strategy

• Notes an increase in military activity against armed groups, indicating a shift towards more aggressive strategies under his leadership.

• Clarifies that while some strategies were already in place before his appointment, he supports decisive actions against illegal groups.

Challenges and Realities of Peace Negotiations

• Describes ongoing challenges with peace negotiations involving drug cartels and acknowledges growing threats from criminal organizations.

• Highlights a need for balance between negotiation ("carrot") and force ("stick") when dealing with these threats.

Reflections on Leadership Decisions

• Acknowledges past decisions made by previous administrations regarding peace talks may have been overly optimistic or naive.

• Stresses the importance of being prepared to act decisively against criminal elements while maintaining dialogue where possible.

This structured summary encapsulates key discussions surrounding General Pedro Sánchez's tenure as Minister of Defense, focusing on his insights into security strategy, relationships within government dynamics, and reflections on leadership challenges.

How to Change the Trend of Illegal Economies?

The Rise of Illegal Economies

• The discussion begins with a question on how to change the rising trend of illegal economies, particularly in relation to criminal groups and their activities.

• A significant increase in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal mining, is noted from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the challenges faced in combating these issues.

Economic Impact of Drug Trafficking

• The speaker emphasizes that the drug problem is not just about consumption or violence but also has deep economic roots. For instance, $27 billion represents the value of drugs seized over three years.

• To effectively address this issue, there is a call for replacing illegal economies with legal alternatives to disrupt rapid criminal recovery.

Challenges in Law Enforcement

• There are frustrations regarding the justice system's inefficiency; captured criminals often do not serve adequate time for their crimes.

• A metaphor is used comparing efforts against crime to trying to collect water with a broken bucket, illustrating ongoing struggles despite attempts at reform.

Government Strategies and Failures

• The government's approach under leftist leadership aimed at stopping coca cultivation through substitution programs has largely failed, leading to more entrenched illicit economies.

• Data from organizations like the UN shows discrepancies in reported figures regarding coca production versus eradication efforts.

Trends in Coca Cultivation and Seizures

• An analysis reveals that while coca cultivation increased significantly between 2021 and 2022, seizures did not keep pace until 2023 when incautations rose by 18%.

• The effectiveness of coca production per hectare is discussed alongside social media trends showcasing both cultivation and eradication efforts.

Personal Insights on Leadership Dynamics

• The speaker shares personal experiences as a pilot and discusses his role within the government cabinet under President Gustavo Petro.

• Trust between the minister and president is highlighted as crucial for effective governance amidst internal political attacks.

Shifts in Government Policy Direction

• Over time, President Petro's administration has shifted from progressive peace proposals towards more conservative policies focused on eradication and territorial recovery.

High-Value Objectives and Bombing Decisions

Balancing Peace and Military Strategy

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of balance in decision-making, particularly regarding military actions that may involve minors. They argue that extremes can be harmful and advocate for a balanced approach to peace.

• The strategy has shifted from total peace negotiations to military pressure, indicating a significant change in tactics due to the violent actions of criminal groups against Colombian citizens.

Impact of Criminal Actions on Government Strategy

• The government’s shift in strategy was not premeditated but rather a reaction to violent incidents, such as the murder of indigenous leaders by criminal factions like Alias Mordisco.

• Despite ongoing dialogue with these groups, there is currently no ceasefire, contrasting previous strategies where negotiations were accompanied by suspensions of hostilities.

Communication Strategies with International Allies

• Effective communication is highlighted as crucial when presenting Colombia's situation to international partners. Visual aids significantly enhance understanding and perception among foreign audiences.

• The speaker notes that people retain more information when visuals are involved (80% retention), which underscores the importance of effective presentation in diplomatic discussions.

U.S. Perspectives on Security Issues

• The discussion touches upon how U.S. national security strategies prioritize threats from superpowers over regional issues like drug-related violence in Colombia.

• There is an acknowledgment that transnational organized crime poses a greater immediate threat than traditional warfare, prompting calls for stronger collaborative efforts against it.

Ethical Dilemmas in Military Engagement

• The conversation reveals internal conflicts within the government regarding military operations resulting in civilian casualties, particularly minors involved in hostilities.

• Legal discussions arise around defining collateral damage; however, it is asserted that individuals participating directly in hostilities lose their protection under international law.

Difficult Decisions Regarding Combatants

• Acknowledgment of the emotional weight behind decisions involving combatants who are minors highlights the complexity faced by leadership when balancing ethical considerations with strategic necessities.

Discussion on Recruitment and Violence in Colombia

The Complexity of Decision-Making

• The speaker discusses the painful nature of decision-making regarding recruitment and violence, emphasizing that avoiding difficult choices can exacerbate problems.

• A notable reduction in forced recruitment of minors was achieved, with a 36% decrease reported last year and further reductions observed this year.

Understanding Cartels

• The definition of a cartel is explored, highlighting characteristics such as organized violence and economic activity related to drug trafficking.

• Reference is made to past atrocities committed by the LN cartel, including the massacre of nearly 200 farmers and displacement of over 30,000 individuals.

Legal Justifications for Military Actions

• The discussion shifts to evaluating military actions taken against cartels, asserting their legality and necessity for public safety.

• There is a reflection on past government reactions to military strategies, particularly concerning bombings that were controversial at the time.

Shifts in Political Discourse

• The speaker notes how political discourse has evolved under different administrations, questioning whether current leftist governance has changed perceptions around security discussions.

• Emphasis is placed on legal frameworks guiding state actions against cartels while ensuring public safety remains paramount.

Commitment to Legal Operations

• The speaker expresses commitment to legality in operations despite facing pressures from various political factions during their tenure.

• Mentioned are specific targets within criminal organizations that require collaboration with international intelligence for effective action.

Strategic Collaboration and Future Goals

• Discussion includes plans for joint operations with allied nations focusing on intelligence sharing to enhance operational effectiveness against cartels.

• A commitment is made towards achieving specific operational goals within two months while aligning efforts with ongoing peace negotiations involving other groups like Clan del Golfo.

Navigating Negotiations Amidst Conflict

• Challenges are acknowledged regarding acting against certain targets due to legal protections tied to negotiation processes.

• Questions arise about what steps need to be taken by cartel leaders involved in negotiations for them to gain more trust from authorities.

Operational Readiness vs. Diplomatic Efforts

• The importance of maintaining operational readiness while navigating complex diplomatic landscapes is emphasized.

• Final thoughts reflect on balancing commitments between international relations (e.g., U.S. expectations) versus local negotiation processes.

Discussion on Security and Criminal Operations

Constitutional Duty to Protect Citizens

• The speaker emphasizes the constitutional obligation of the government to protect Colombian citizens, indicating that failure to act against threats is a dereliction of duty.

• Discusses the challenges in executing military operations against dynamic criminal targets, highlighting that successful operations require static objectives.

Prioritization of Targets

• There is uncertainty regarding whether high-value targets or negotiations should take precedence in security strategies, especially with ongoing peace talks.

• Mentions that there are over 25,000 individuals involved in criminal activities, suggesting a broad scope for law enforcement efforts beyond just a few key figures.

Impact of Peace Initiatives on Security

• The discussion touches on how peace initiatives can complicate law enforcement actions against criminals who may not be actively offending at the moment.

• A specific case is presented where a former militant turned peace advocate committed an act of terrorism after being granted amnesty, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such programs.

Law Enforcement Challenges

• The speaker expresses frustration over the release of individuals who have previously engaged in violent acts and questions the decision-making processes behind these actions.

• Highlights issues within police forces and their interactions with military personnel, emphasizing mutual respect and shared goals between them.

Intelligence Reports and Accountability

• Reflecting on experiences within special operations, the speaker notes unusual occurrences related to intelligence reports affecting personnel decisions within law enforcement.

• Critiques a specific incident involving General Urrego's dismissal based on questionable intelligence reports, questioning the integrity and motivations behind such actions.

Political Implications of Military Leadership Changes

• Discusses how political dynamics influence military leadership appointments and removals, particularly when evidence against officials appears weak or politically motivated.

• Raises concerns about sending negative messages through dismissals based on flimsy evidence during politically charged situations.

Desinformación y su Impacto en la Seguridad

La amenaza de la desinformación

• El presidente ha sido víctima de desinformación, lo que representa una gran amenaza para el mundo actual.

• Se menciona un caso específico donde se involucra a un sargento Chalal, quien es influyente en el gobierno y está bajo demanda penal.

Manejo de la paranoia del presidente

• Se discute cómo el presidente percibe amenazas a su vida, lo que genera una atmósfera de paranoia.

• Es crucial recibir y analizar información para calmar las inquietudes del presidente, ya que la desinformación puede intensificar la paranoia.

Rol del Ministerio de Defensa

• El Ministerio de Defensa también enfrenta desafíos relacionados con la desinformación, como acusaciones sobre corrupción en contratos militares.

• Se destaca la importancia de invertir en defensa; no hacerlo podría resultar más costoso a largo plazo.

Inversión en seguridad nacional

• Actualmente, Colombia destina aproximadamente el 4% del PIB al presupuesto de defensa; se necesita un aumento para garantizar seguridad futura.

• Entre 2022 y 2028 se espera que salgan alrededor de 90,000 militares y policías debido al cumplimiento del tiempo de servicio.

Diversificación en alianzas estratégicas

• La necesidad de diversificar alianzas más allá de Estados Unidos es fundamental ante amenazas transnacionales.

• Mantener estándares adecuados permitirá relaciones efectivas con países occidentales y facilitará la interoperabilidad frente a amenazas comunes.

Reflexiones personales del ministro

• El ministro reflexiona sobre su experiencia y menciona influencias filosóficas como el estoicismo en su vida personal.

• Aceptar la realidad tal como es y seguir adelante son principios clave que guían sus decisiones.