Iván Cepeda Calls for Peaceful Civil Disobedience in Colombia Amid Political Tensions

Original article: “No me prestaré para esta violación de nuestra soberanía”: Iván Cepeda llama a desobediencia civil pacífica en Colombia

Amid escalating political tensions in Colombia, former presidential candidate Ivan Cepeda from the Historical Pact has issued a call for peaceful civil disobedience in response to the possibility of far-right Abelardo de la Espriella assuming the presidency without resolving controversies that threaten national sovereignty.

The progressive leader emphasized that, as a representative of over 12.7 million citizens who placed their trust in him during the June 21 runoff, he is unwilling to tolerate what he described as a «violation» of Colombia’s independence, demanding the fulfillment of a set of conditions.

«If these legal conditions are not met, as an opposition leader and candidate who garnered over 12.7 million votes in the June 21 elections, I will not lend myself to this violation of our sovereignty and will embark on the path of peaceful civil disobedience, which involves not recognizing the authority of someone who does not defend national sovereignty,» he stated during a press conference.

Cepeda outlined a list of demands he considers crucial to guarantee the legality and legitimacy of a potential presidency for De la Espriella.

The first condition requires the lawyer to publicly renounce his U.S. citizenship.

«This means, and I state this categorically, that without full clarity on this set of issues, and without De la Espriella renouncing his status as a U.S. citizen, he should not be inaugurated as president of the Republic, and if he does, his presidency would be tainted by illegality and lack of legitimacy,» he asserted.

He explained that «U.S. citizenship poses legal, ethical, and political hurdles for anyone wanting to be president of Colombia» because to acquire it, one must make «an oath that involves commitments and legal duties to that country, which are incompatible with the obligations of the President of Colombia.»

For this reason, he warned that in any conflict between our country’s constitutional sovereignty and that of the United States, De la Espriella would have to side with the latter.

Secondly, the former presidential candidate demanded that De la Espriella fully commit to national security and judicial sovereignty in Colombia. Cepeda cautioned that Colombian institutions must not be subservient to external loyalties, asserting that respect for the integrity of the judicial system should be a non-negotiable guarantee for any leader. This condition aims to shield the autonomy of judicial decisions from possible foreign interference.

End Persecution of President Petro

Cepeda’s third demand is the cessation of all persecution against current President Gustavo Petro and the withdrawal of any extradition requests.

He also urged that the far-right figure should stop the persecution of political opponents and cease encouraging their judicial prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice, he noted.

Cepeda additionally requested that De la Espriella clarify his connections to Alex Saab, who faces money laundering charges in the U.S. and for whom he served as legal advisor.

«A few days ago, eleven Democratic congresspersons… indicated that there is evidence suggesting that banking and real estate transactions partially financed by Alex Saab may have benefited De la Espriella, and that the assets he holds in the United States may have been acquired illegally,» stated the former candidate.

«De la Espriella has claimed that he facilitated Saab’s engagements with U.S. authorities to resolve his situation. The fact that Saab and at least one associate of De la Espriella have been prosecuted while he has not raises questions regarding the nature of De la Espriella’s cooperation with U.S. authorities,» he added.

Moreover, he pointed out that the Democratic congresspersons noted there are «credible allegations of potential criminal conduct by De la Espriella,» warranting a «thorough investigation and review by our government.»

Connections with the CIA and DEA

During the press conference, the progressive leader insisted that the far-right candidate clarify explicitly whether he has maintained or currently maintains ties with U.S. security agencies such as the CIA or DEA.

He also criticized De la Espriella for announcing, without prior consultation with Congress, that he would «annex Colombia to the so-called ‘Shield of the Americas’,» a mechanism he labeled as «ambiguous,» since it involves «military alignment under the orders of the U.S. and its geostrategic objectives that do not necessarily align with our country.»

Cepeda’s statements also included specific allegations regarding foreign interference in the Colombian electoral process. The senator highlighted the open interference of Donald Trump, acknowledged by the U.S. president himself.

Peaceful Disobedience

Cepeda was emphatic in warning that, should these conditions not be met, as the opposition leader he will embark on the path of peaceful civil disobedience, which entails the «non-recognition of the authority of someone who does not uphold the defense of national sovereignty.»

«I call and invite the millions of voters who placed their trust in me to do the same and, if the demands I outlined are not met, to peacefully disregard any orders from someone who cannot be seen as the guardian of our political constitution,» he concluded.