Colombia Names Ordóñez as OAS Ambassador Again

Colombia · Diplomacy

President Abelardo de la Espriella appointed Alejandro Ordóñez as Colombia’s ambassador to the Organization of American States. It is his second term in the post.

Colombia’s government named Alejandro Ordóñez as its OAS ambassador on September 4, 2026. The appointment marks a return to the post he held from 2018 to 2022.

Who Is Alejandro Ordóñez

Alejandro Ordóñez is a conservative lawyer who served as Colombia’s inspector general until 2016. His second term ended when the Council of State annulled his re-election due to procedural irregularities.

He is known for religiously conservative views and controversial actions, including burning books he considered immoral. These actions drew criticism from human-rights groups and liberal sectors.

Previous OAS Role

Ordóñez already served as Colombia’s ambassador to the OAS from 2018 to 2022 under President Iván Duque. His new appointment is a second term in the same position.

As OAS ambassador, he will head Colombia’s Permanent Mission in Washington. He will represent the country in the Permanent Council and other OAS bodies.

What Is the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is a hemispheric body based in Washington, D.C. It promotes democracy, human rights, security, and development among its 35 member states.

An ambassador to the OAS is a country’s permanent representative. The ambassador presents government positions, negotiates resolutions, and votes in the Permanent Council.

Appointment Details

President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1365 on September 4, 2026, appointing Ordóñez. The decree was also signed by the Foreign Ministry and took effect immediately.

The appointment does not require Senate confirmation, according to the decree. It was made directly by the president and the foreign ministry.

Reaction from Gustavo Petro

Former President Gustavo Petro criticized the appointment. He said, ‘He who burned books will end up burning human beings,’ as reported by Infobae on September 7, 2026.

Petro’s comment refers to Ordóñez’s past book-burning incident. It reflects the deep political divide between the two leaders.

Shift in Foreign Policy

The appointment is part of President de la Espriella‘s broader foreign policy shift. He is reversing many of Petro’s decisions, especially regarding Israel.

Colombia has named Tania Gilinski as ambassador to Israel. Israel has named Vivian Aisen as its envoy to Colombia.

Future Plans

The new administration plans to reopen Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem. It also intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

These moves signal a sharp pro-Israel turn in Bogotá’s foreign policy. They contrast with Petro’s stance and align with the United States.

The Dates

The government signalled the appointment in early August 2026. The formal decree followed on 4 September.

Ordóñez held the same post under President Iván Duque from September 2018. That is why the appointment is a return rather than a debut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alejandro Ordóñez?

Alejandro Ordóñez is a conservative Colombian lawyer and former inspector general. He served from 2009 until 2016, when his re-election was annulled.

What does an OAS ambassador do?

An OAS ambassador heads a country’s permanent mission to the Organization of American States. The ambassador represents the government in the Permanent Council and other bodies.

Why is this appointment controversial?

Ordóñez is known for religiously conservative views and actions like book burning. Critics, including former President Petro, have condemned his appointment.

Does the appointment need Senate approval?

No, the appointment was made by presidential decree and does not require Senate confirmation. It took effect immediately.

Sources: Infobae; Semana; El Espectador; Consejo de Estado.

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