TEHRAN – Colombian President Gustavopetro has firmly placed his country at the heart of a global struggle for justice, using his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to call for decisive international action in support of Palestine.
Evoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar’s liberation, his speech on Tuesday resonated widely in the global South, sparking immediate responses from Washington.
In his speech to Congress, Peter rejected what he described as us and NATO-led “tyranny and totalitarianism,” claiming that the world cannot remain passive in the face of genocide. “We need a strong army in a country that does not accept genocide,” he declared. “We must liberate Palestine. I invite the Asian army, the great Slavic people who defeated Hitler with great heroism, and the Latin American army of Bolivar.”
The speeches from the Colombian leaders coincided closely with voices from the Global South. Indonesian President Prabobo Suboant has pledged 20,000 troops for the international forces to protect Gaza, while Chilean President Gabriel Borik has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to face a genocide trial. Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva moved visibly, but after his speech he kissed Peter on the head.
On Friday, the US State Department announced it would cancel Peter’s visa, accusing him of making “reckless and burnt-and-cen” remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. Peter joined thousands of demonstrators, doubled his call for a “army for the world’s salvation,” urged him to be “larger than the US military,” and dedicated to enforcing international justice.
In footage widely shared on social media, Peter appealed directly to American soldiers. “Don’t point your guns at humanity. Don’t follow Trump’s orders. I will follow humanity’s orders.” His words electrified the crowd, further highlighting his willingness to speak an unpleasant truth, even at the expense of Washington’s disapproval.
Standing with Palestine, by evoking the vision of Bolivar’s liberation, Peter rearranged Colombia as the main voice of conscience in global politics. His call for collective action against genocide is more than rhetoric. It is a challenge to the world order where immunity is often tolerated. Washington may try to silence him, but Peter assured Colombia that he would speak with clarity and courage to those who were now oppressed everywhere. In the defense of Palestine, Colombia defends justice and the very principles of humanity.