For the first time in decades, U.S. decertifies Colombia as drug control partner
In a significant move, the United States has decertified Colombia as a drug control partner for the first time since 1997, according to a memorandum to Congress signed by President Trump on September 16, 2025. The decision comes after months of anxiety in Colombia, where soaring cocaine production and trafficking have raised concerns about the country's ability to meet its international obligations.
The decertification is a result of Bogotá's "failing demonstrably to meet its drug control obligations," as stated in the memorandum. Despite this rebuke, the White House stopped short of imposing sanctions on Colombia, granting the country a "national interest waiver" that preserves U.S. aid and security cooperation.
The move has significant implications for both countries. According to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, "the decision was made after careful consideration of the situation in Colombia." The official noted that while the U.S. is committed to supporting Colombia's efforts to combat drug trafficking, "we cannot ignore the fact that the country has not met its obligations."
The decertification is a departure from the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which have cooperated closely on counter-narcotics efforts for decades. According to a report by the U.S. State Department, Colombia was one of the top recipients of U.S. aid and assistance in 2025, with over $100 million allocated for counter-narcotics programs.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions in Colombia. Some officials have expressed relief that the U.S. has not imposed sanctions, while others have criticized the move as a " slap in the face" to the country's efforts to combat drug trafficking.
"We understand that we still have work to do," said Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. "But we also know that our efforts are bearing fruit, and we're committed to continuing our fight against narco-trafficking."
The decertification is likely to have significant consequences for Colombia's economy and security situation. According to a report by the International Crisis Group, the country's cocaine production has increased significantly in recent years, with many experts attributing this trend to the lack of effective government policies.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will proceed with its relationship with Colombia. While the White House has granted a national interest waiver, some lawmakers have called for more stringent measures to be taken against Bogotá.
"We need to take a hard look at our relationship with Colombia and see where we can do better," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "We cannot afford to compromise on our commitment to combating drug trafficking."
In the meantime, Colombia's government has vowed to continue its efforts to combat narco-trafficking and meet its international obligations. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Colombia is committed to working closely with the U.S. and other international partners to address the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking."
The situation in Colombia highlights the ongoing challenges faced by countries in the region as they struggle to combat narco-trafficking and meet their international obligations. As one expert noted, "the decertification of Colombia is a wake-up call for all of us who are working on this issue."
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
