Colombia’s President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has lifted the suspension on firearm carrying permits this Tuesday, a measure that has sparked intense debate across the country.
The suspension of firearm carrying permits, which has been in place since 2015, was officially lifted this Tuesday by Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
This decision, announced via the president’s social media accounts, revokes the decree issued in December 2015 during the administration of Juan Manuel Santos, which was subsequently renewed annually by the administrations of Iván Duque and Gustavo Petro.
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The Colombian President argued that for years, law-abiding citizens were restricted from carrying firearms while criminals continued to arm themselves illegally.
“This has to change,” he stated, presenting data that highlights the true sources of threat. According to his figures, between January 1 and September 3, 2026, Colombia’s security forces seized 15,700 firearms. Of these, 14,179 were linked to criminal activities, 980 to dissident groups, 551 to the Gulf Clan, and 339 to the National Liberation Army (ELN, in Spanish).
However, the De la Espriella clarified that this measure does not imply unrestricted firearm carrying. Strict controls, requirements, and permits will remain in place, overseen by the relevant authorities. This policy shift comes after years of debate, with former President Gustavo Petro repeatedly expressing his opposition to civilian firearm use. During a Council of Ministers meeting in August 2025, Petro warned, “In Colombia, an armed populace could result in total massacre.”
Firmé el decreto que levanta la suspensión general de los permisos para el porte de armas de fuego en Colombia.
Durante años se restringió al ciudadano que cumple la ley mientras los criminales siguieron armándose ilegalmente hasta los dientes. Eso tiene que cambiar.
Las cifras… pic.twitter.com/boYLZJhlAo
— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) September 8, 2026
Text reads: “I signed the decree that lifts the general suspension of permits for carrying firearms in Colombia. For years, the law-abiding citizen was restricted while criminals continued to arm themselves illegally. That has to change. (…) To the good citizen who rigorously complies with the law, guarantees within the law. The criminal armed illegally, all the weight of the law and all the legitimate force of the state. We will take the illegal weapons away from the criminals. Colombia’s security cannot continue to be built by disarming law-abiding citizens and leaving bandits armed…”
New Policy Sparks Debate
The lifting of the suspension has also raised concerns about potential increases in violent crime. Critics argue that easier access to firearms could exacerbate existing security issues, while supporters contend that it empowers law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. De la Espriella’s administration maintains that the new policy will enhance public safety by ensuring that only those who meet stringent criteria can carry firearms.
The decision has also drawn international attention, with various Human Rights organizations and foreign governments closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations and the Organization of American States have called for a balanced approach that respects human rights while addressing security concerns.
As Colombia navigates this significant policy change, the debate over firearm carrying permits continues to evolve. The effectiveness of the new decree will be closely scrutinized, with both proponents and opponents eagerly awaiting the outcomes. For now, the lifting of the suspension marks a pivotal moment in Colombia’s ongoing efforts to balance public safety with individual rights.
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