Bogotá — Former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe has resigned from the Senate amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of witness tampering and bribery, marking a dramatic turn for one of the most powerful political figures in the country’s modern history.
Uribe, a key ally of President Iván Duque and founder of the ruling Democratic Center party, announced his resignation in a letter to Congress, saying he wanted to defend himself outside the political arena. “My freedom is at stake,” he wrote, adding that his decision was meant to allow for a fair judicial process free from political influence.
The Supreme Court of Colombia had been investigating Uribe over accusations that he sought to manipulate testimony from former paramilitary fighters. Prosecutors allege that intermediaries working on his behalf tried to bribe witnesses to retract claims linking him to right-wing armed groups during his presidency from 2002 to 2010. Uribe has denied all wrongdoing.
His resignation means the case will move from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which handles matters involving sitting lawmakers, to the ordinary judicial system. Legal analysts say the shift could complicate the proceedings but will not halt the investigation.
Uribe’s departure from Congress comes at a politically sensitive moment for Colombia, as the government navigates ongoing peace efforts with former guerrilla fighters and rising tensions over security in rural areas. Supporters praised Uribe as a patriot unfairly targeted for his success in reducing violence, while critics described his resignation as an attempt to evade accountability.
The move represents a significant blow to Colombia’s political establishment, where Uribe has long been a dominant force. His influence over the conservative movement and his close relationship with President Duque have shaped national policy for nearly two decades.
As the legal process continues, Uribe’s resignation underscores the deep divisions in Colombian politics — and the lasting shadow of a leader whose legacy remains both celebrated and fiercely contested.
