Colombia's New President Loosens Gun Control, Lifting Decade-Old Carry Ban

President Abelardo de la Espriella signed the decree on Tuesday, arguing that it was "not right that criminals are armed to the teeth while decent people can't defend themselves." The new rule lifts a suspension first introduced by then-President Juan Manuel Santos in December 2015 as a temporary measure for the Christmas and New Year period. That suspension was renewed annually by Santos and two subsequent presidents—conservative Iván Duque and left-wing Gustavo Petro—effectively blocking all public carry of firearms even for legal permit holders.

According to Spanish newspaper El País, the decree affects nearly 700,000 Colombians who already hold legal permits to carry a gun. These individuals may now take their registered firearms out of their homes, provided their permits remain up to date.

The president insisted the decree does not create a "free-for-all" and stressed that tight controls over gun ownership remain in place. "A man's word is his honour, and I have honour, that's why I keep my word," de la Espriella said at the signing.

Green Alliance Party Senator Ariel Ávila described the move as a campaign promise fulfilled by a president who won office in June on a platform of being tough on crime. The decree reverses a policy that had bipartisan support across successive administrations and reignites debate over public safety and gun rights in a country long plagued by violence.

Why This Matters

The decree affects nearly 700,000 legal gun permit holders in a country with high rates of violent crime, potentially changing the dynamics of public safety and self-defense.
It marks a significant policy reversal after a decade of consistent suspension by three presidents from different political backgrounds, signaling a new era in Colombian security policy.
The decision could influence political discourse on gun control across Latin America, where many nations balance strict gun laws with rising crime.

Background

Colombia has faced decades of armed conflict involving guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, and drug cartels, resulting in high homicide rates. Gun control has been a contentious issue, with previous administrations maintaining tight restrictions on public firearm carry. The 2015 temporary suspension became a permanent fixture of Colombian gun policy, renewed annually regardless of the ruling party. President Abelardo de la Espriella, elected in June 2026 on a platform promising a tough, iron-fist approach to crime, has now overturned that longstanding restriction.

Key Perspectives

President Abelardo de la Espriella: Argues that law-abiding citizens should be able to defend themselves against armed criminals. He presents the decree as a matter of honor and a fulfillment of a campaign promise, while insisting strict ownership controls remain. Senator Ariel Ávila (Green Alliance Party): Acknowledges the move fulfills a campaign promise, but his party is likely to be critical given the Green Alliance typically supports stronger gun restrictions. Critics/Skeptics: Human rights groups and public safety experts may argue that increasing gun carrying will escalate violence, not reduce it. The previous bipartisan consensus on the suspension suggests deep concern about armed society risks. The decade-long renewal by presidents of opposing ideologies indicates the suspension was seen as necessary for public safety.

What to Watch

Homicide and armed robbery rates in the months following the decree's implementation.
Potential legal challenges from opposition parties or human rights organizations questioning the decree's constitutionality.
Whether the Colombian Congress attempts to legislate new restrictions or if the decree stands as the new normal.

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