BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Conservative Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The ceremony took place in Cali, highlighting a hard line on armed groups. Ahead of the inauguration, security measures were intensified in the city: armored vehicles and soldiers stood guard along roads, and police inspected vehicles at checkpoints.
Associated Press photojournalists Santiago Saldarriaga and Ivan Valencia captured moments of preparation for the inauguration. The photos show a soldier keeping watch from the turret of an armored vehicle, soldiers standing guard along a road, and inspections at checkpoints.
This event reflects a significant shift in Colombia's security policy, as the new president has promised a hard line on armed groups.