Colombia shows the big value of cooperation

Oscar Naranjo is the former director general of the Colombian National Police. 

He is now director of the Latin American Institute for Citizenship at TEC Monterrey and a public security consultant.

Colombia entered the 21st century on the brink of becoming a failed state. 

In the year 2.000, the government no longer had a monopoly on the exercise of authority in a considerable portion of Colombian territory, where guerrillas and drug traffickers ruled.

Partnership with the United States through the Colombia Strategic Development Initiative better known as Plan Colombia was a determining factor in the return of government control to wide areas of the country.

Along with training the police and military to face armed opponents, U.S. aid helped transform government relations with citizens.

I participated in the implementation of Plan Colombia from the outset in 2.000. 

I can attest that the process during the last 13 years would make for a very interesting study on how international military and political cooperation work best, when both parties learn from each other, complement their efforts and strengthen democratic institutions.

Despite what many would assume, police and military training, and improved operational and intelligence capabilities account for only a small portion of Plan Colombia’s impact. 

Institutions responsible for public security have been revamped, showcasing meaningful advancements in their management. Higher standards, a more efficient use of resources and better planning and inter-agency coordination have strengthened government entities and enhanced their performance.

In sum, along with training the police and military to face armed opponents, Plan Colombia ignited a deep transformation of the government’s culture and its relation with Colombian citizens. 

Accountability, transparency and effectiveness have advanced credibility and trust. 

Confidence in the government has strengthened democracy and allowed for closer cooperation between citizens and the state in tackling security challenges. 

In praising Colombia’s progress, during his confirmations hearings, Secretary of State John Kerry recognized what constitutes effective strategy. 

Security and democracy have been restored not just through military training, sharing intelligence and bolstering our armed forces, but through exacting human rights standards.

In looking for ways to attend to similar challenges in Central America, the Middle East and Africa, the lessons of Colombia are powerful.