Colombia lifts decade-long ban on civilian gun permits

Colombia's newly installed president has moved to reverse one of the country's longstanding firearms restrictions by lifting a moratorium on permits that authorize civilians to carry guns legally.

The decade-long suspension had effectively halted the issuance of new permits for legal firearm possession, representing a strict approach to civilian gun ownership that had been in place since the early 2010s. President de la Espriella's decision to rescind this ban signals a departure from the previous administration's gun control stance.

The lifting of the permit suspension could reshape civilian access to firearms across the country, though specific details regarding the conditions and criteria for new permits remain to be clarified. Officials have not yet provided comprehensive information about how the renewed permit system will be implemented or what regulations will govern its application.

The move reflects broader debates within Colombia regarding public safety, individual rights, and the appropriate balance between gun ownership and security concerns. The decision comes as the administration outlines its broader policy priorities, with implications for both urban and rural populations.