The recent, unexpected election of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella as Colombia’s president has thrown the country’s peace process into uncertainty after six decades of armed conflict. De la Espriella’s victory follows failed pacification attempts under leftist President Gustavo Petro. Unlike his predecessor, the new president is advocating a “total war” strategy against guerrilla groups and drug trafficking organizations. Political scientist Frédéric Louault, director of the Centre d'études des Amériques at the Université libre de Bruxelles, is analyzing the security implications of this shift in leadership. This change in policy represents a significant departure from recent peace initiatives and raises concerns about a potential escalation of violence. The election results signal a rejection of the previous government’s approach to addressing Colombia’s deeply rooted conflicts. Louault’s analysis will be crucial in understanding the future security landscape of Colombia under its new president.