Colombia's new leader restores civilian gun permits after ten‑year pause

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the reversal of a ten‑year suspension on permits that allow civilians to carry legal firearms, BBC News reported. The policy change lifts a restriction that had been in place since 2013, when the previous administration halted new permits as part of a broader effort to curb gun‑related violence.

The suspension was introduced after Colombia’s 2016 peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas, a period when the government sought to tighten control over weapons to prevent them from falling into the hands of criminal groups. Over the years, the ban on new carry permits has been criticized by gun owners and some security analysts who argue that lawful citizens are left defenseless in regions where illegal armed actors remain active.

De la Espriella’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Pro‑gun organisations welcomed the move, saying it restores a constitutional right to self‑defence, while human‑rights groups warned that expanding legal firearm access could exacerbate Colombia’s already high homicide rate, which averages around 25 deaths per 100,000 people. Security experts note that the impact will depend on how strictly the licensing process is enforced and whether background checks are robust enough to keep weapons out of criminal hands.

Colombia has long struggled with armed conflict, drug trafficking, and a proliferation of illegal weapons. According to the Small Arms Survey, the country ranks among the highest in Latin America for civilian gun ownership per capita. The previous suspension was intended to stem the flow of firearms, but critics say it also limited legitimate owners from protecting themselves, especially in rural areas where police presence is sparse.

The revived permit system will require applicants to meet criteria set by the National Police, including background checks, mental‑health assessments, and proof of a legitimate need for a weapon. Implementation is expected to roll out over the next few months, with the government pledging oversight mechanisms to monitor compliance. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the policy shift curbs crime or contributes to further insecurity.