A car bomb exploded Saturday at a toll plaza in southwestern Colombia, the army said, a day after conservative political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as the country's new president.

A new political era for Colombia: a hard-right president promises order, growth and confrontation.

Abelardo de la Espriella will be sworn in as Colombia’s president Friday in Cali, breaking tradition by not holding the ceremony in Bogota.