President Gustavo Petro announced a notable improvement in Colombia’s security landscape in 2024, revealing a 3.9 percent reduction in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2023. As of June 24, there have been 239 fewer homicides nationwide, with 453 municipalities reporting no homicides this year. Furthermore, 17 out of the 32 departments have experienced a decrease in homicide rates, showcasing a positive trend in the country’s overall safety.
During a military ceremony at the General Francisco de Paula Santander Police Cadet School in Bogotá, President Petro highlighted these achievements. He specifically pointed out a 7.9 percent reduction in murders carried out by hired killers, indicating a disruption in the operations of more sophisticated criminal organizations dedicated to homicide.
Moreover, the president reported a significant 32.9 percent decrease in homicides related to robbery cases. He explained that this decline in deaths during muggings is a crucial indicator of the reduction in everyday crime, as it is based on the actual existence of corpses rather than merely reported incidents.
Regionally, 17 capital cities in Colombia have registered the lowest homicide rates, with Cali showing a particularly remarkable improvement. In Cali, there have been 89 fewer homicides compared to the same period last year. This reduction is significant as Cali was on the verge of being listed among the 50 most violent cities globally. This improvement comes at a crucial time as the city prepares to host COP16, one of the largest international events in Colombia this year.
Despite these positive developments, security in Colombia remains a central topic of political debate. The department of Valle del Cauca, with Cali as its capital, and other southwestern regions continue to face severe challenges due to the activities of illegal armed groups. Groups such as the FARC dissidents, Central General Staff, Second Marquetalia, and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have increased their actions over the past year. These activities have had significant impacts on the civilian population, prompting the state to enhance its military presence and response on the ground.