Senator Iván Cepeda Castro stated on September 16 that the United States' decertification of Colombia confirms "the failure of the global war on drugs imposed by the United States." He pointed out that this is a political decision that reflects a double standard, given that while drug use in developed countries is growing, Colombia continues to pay high social and economic costs.
Cepeda added that thousands of lives have been lost, public resources have been squandered, and institutional degradation has deepened as a result of a strategy that, in his opinion, was designed and imposed from abroad. He called on the United States to assume its responsibility for this failed war, the most serious consequences of which have fallen on producer countries like Colombia.
The senator's social media post generated hundreds of reactions (194 at the time of this publication). Among the comments, @ferdiadiaz2000 alluded to the role of the political lobby in the United States. Meanwhile, @Diotima81474120 stated that it's not just a matter of double standards, but a business that generates "a lot of money and power."
Other users directly supported Cepeda's position. @Alfonso19742009 noted, "Well said, Cepeda, that's how it's done," while @aarangob11 emphasized that his position reinforces the country's sovereignty under the current government. Similarly, @JimmyPsicol described his analysis as "true arguments."
Some comments focused on international factors. @luisamhenao considered that Colombia's support for Gaza may have influenced the decision, while @maritza_serrano pointed out that the United States has not reduced its domestic consumption and described the decertification as a political decision against President Gustavo Petro. @ClaO969 added that it may be an opportunity to break away from dependence on the US.
There were also allegations of financial ties. @Antocortes2014 questioned the presence of U.S. military bases in Colombia, while @Leonard80338296 asked about drug money laundered in foreign banks and illegal gold entering the United States. @diesco7 indicated that, being part of the problem, the U.S. lacks the moral authority to impose sanctions and that an international tribunal should intervene.
Some users linked the measure to internal actors. @AlbaCorts5 wrote that Colombia will only be certified when drug trafficking-related structures are confronted in the country. Along the same lines, @edosp38 questioned the presence of foreign bases, and @LuisaPoncas shared figures on the global cocaine market, estimated at between $100 and $400 billion annually, of which Colombia receives a small portion.
Others proposed alternatives and opportunities. @noroornforitems suggested taking advantage of the situation to strengthen the national military and defense industry through international agreements. Finally, @LordBacano contrasted the United States' anti-drug fight with that of Colombia, highlighting the magnitude of seizures in Colombian territory.
The diverse reactions reflect a broader public debate surrounding decertification, which includes criticism of international anti-drug policy, questions about the role of the United States, and calls to rethink the national strategy.