Former Colombian president to Duterte: 'You are repeating my mistake'

"President Dutere Is Repeating My Mistake."

This was the title of the opinion-editorial piece written by former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria published by the New York Times in February 7.

Photo by CNN Philippines

Sharing what happened during his administration's version of the drug war, Gaviria wrote, "Locking up nonviolent offenders and drug users almost always backfires, instead strengthening organized crime."

It can be remembered that when Gaviria took the Colombian presidency in the early 1900s, it was during his administration that they curbed known narco-syndicate leader Pablo Escobar. He penned, "While we managed to make Colombia a bit safer, it came at a tremendous price."

Rappler also reported that Gaviria insisted on "honest conversation," to control the drug trade.

"The war on drugs is essentially a war on people," wrote Gaviria elaborating that many countries are still addicted to curbing drugs.

Gaviria, who himself is a founding member of The Global Commission on Drug Policy, openly said that their anti-drug body is far from being "soft on drugs."


"We also believe that the smartest pathway to tackling drugs is decriminalizing consumption and ensuring that governments regulate certain drugs, including for medical and recreational purposes," Gavira suggested..

As a warning, Gaviria ended his piece with, "I hope Mr. Duterte does not fall into the same trap."

Source/s: NY Times, Rappler

Love this article? Sharing is caring!