BOGOTÁ – Colombian journalist Ricardo Ospina has claimed that a message from within Colombia’s Armed Forces was directed at President Gustavo Petro amid the country’s escalating transition crisis: “Either you leave, or we remove you.”
The claim has not been officially confirmed by Colombia’s Armed Forces or the government.
The reported warning comes as political pressure grows following Petro’s statements questioning the legitimacy of the election results won by President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. De la Espriella has suspended the transition process with the outgoing government, accusing Petro of undermining the constitutional transfer of power. International observers, including the European Union and the Carter Center, have validated the election process, according to AP.
Petro has since said he will hand over power on August 7, the constitutionally scheduled date for Colombia’s presidential transition, while continuing to raise concerns about the election. El País reported that the transition dispute has deepened after De la Espriella halted meetings with the outgoing administration.
Ospina’s reported statement reflects the growing institutional tension in Bogotá, where political actors are calling for respect for the Constitution and a transition without last-minute maneuvers.
So far, there has been no official indication that Colombia’s military leadership intends to act outside the constitutional framework. The situation remains highly sensitive as the country approaches the August 7 handover.