Plan Colombia was launched in 1999 as a joint effort between Colombia and the US to fight drug trafficking, promote economic growth, encourage social development and strengthen democratic institutions. With a bipartisan support for Plan Colombia since its conception, this initiative has proven to be one of the most meaningful projects undergone by both countries. Ten years ago, Colombia was at the brink after failed peace talks with the Farc guerrilla and in a delicate economic situation. Since, the country has suffered a major shift and it now boasts the lowest homicide rate in the country in 30 years, unemployment and poverty are at their lowest levels in a decade and the economy has grown by an average of 6 % a year in the past seven years. Although Plan Colombia was conceived during the previous administration (Andres Pastrana 1998-02), its importance for the development and stability of the country is unquestionable. When President Uribe took office on 2002, he revealed his support for continuing Plan Colombia.

Security

The purpose of allocating a significant amount of resources and efforts into security is to persecute drug traffickers and terrorist organizations to prevent the illegal flow of drugs into the US. Organizations such as Farc, Eln & Auc are responsible for over 90% of the cocaine that enters the U.S.  By regaining territorial control and providing every town with police presence accompanied by social investment,infrastructure and services, the government has been able to dismantle these organizations.   Complementary efforts such as eradication, interdiction, extradition and persecution have also played a vital role.

Plan Colombia has been determinant in dismantling the drug cartels.  During President Uribe’s administration over687 criminals have been extradited, cocaine production has fallen by a third, interdiction of cocaine bound for the United states has more than doubled (400 metric tons),homicides have reached the lowest level in 30 years and kidnapping and terrorist have declined significantly.  The success of the military offensives has also marked a turning point in the surrender of illegal armed group members. Over 45,000 terrorists have demobilized since 2003, including 32,000 Auc members under an unprecedented peace process, holding irregular forces accountable for their crimes.   The positive effect of desertions and military pressure on FARC and ELN is visible by the recent strikes they have suffered. For the first time, members of the FARC general command were killed (RaulReyes & Ivan Rios) and more than 20 leaders have been killed or captured.  (Read More)

Economic and Social Development

The strengthening of the rule of law, recovery of national territory and increased police presence has to be accompanied by social programs that provide opportunities to displaced people and those affected by the conflict. In this area, the US Government through USAID has destined approximately US$1.3 billion into social,economic and democracy promotion programs. The most successful of which is the alternative development program “Familias en Accion” which has provided families throughout the country the opportunity of switching from illegal crops to viable and sustainable harvests (more than 5 million families since its creation in 2003). The combination of regaining territorial control and providing security allows for municipalities to develop, improve people’s lives and rebuild confidence in once critical regions. Since 2002 unemployment decreased to 11.3%, enrolment in schools increased by 92%, to the healthcare system by 114% and the number of families giving up on illegal crops continues to grow. Equally important programs such as the mentioned above and focused on complementary issues such as human rights protection, social services, education, demobilization, reintegration and democratic governance training have also been crucial for the success of Plan Colombia.

Overall, Plan Colombia is a great example for the international community of how through commitment, discipline and perseverance a partnership between countries is the most effective method to tackle common challenges. As a result, Colombia has improved its security climate, generating confidence and attracting foreign direct investment, crucial for  economic growth, investment in social programs and  to generate prosperity and social well-being.