Ecuador's Noboa to attend Colombia president-elect's inauguration, wherever it is

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming inauguration of Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, stating he will be there "wherever we have to go."

Noboa's commitment comes amid a dispute over the inauguration's location, with outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro suggesting Miami as a venue. Petro's proposal arose from difficulties in securing a suitable location within Colombia for the ceremony, which is scheduled for August 7.

President-elect De la Espriella has expressed a desire to hold the inauguration at a military base in the Cauca department, a region significantly impacted by armed conflict. He aims to honor "the true heroes of the homeland" with this choice. However, the plan faces considerable logistical, security, and protocol hurdles, making its feasibility uncertain less than two weeks before the event.

Traditionally, Colombian presidential inaugurations take place before Congress, often in the Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá. De la Espriella, however, has shown reluctance to hold the ceremony in Bogotá, preferring a location closer to his operational base in Barranquilla. The outgoing president, Gustavo Petro, who has not acknowledged De la Espriella's election, has publicly questioned the legitimacy of the votes and suggested the ceremony should be held in public view.