Latest News

Five of the Metro de Bogotá trains are currently in the Colombian capital. Photo: Alcaldía de Bogotá

Bogotá declares Metro Line 2 tender void after no bids received

By The City Paper Staff - January 21, 2026

The Bogotá mayoralty has declared the tender process for the construction of the capital’s second metro line void after no bids were submitted by the deadline, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing challenges facing Colombia’s most ambitious infrastructure project. Galán said none of the prequalified consortia presented final offers before the cutoff […]

Trump praises “brilliant” military operation against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro

By Richard Emblin - January 3, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed as “brilliant” the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, as explosions were reported in Caracas early Saturday. Governments across the Americas and Europe are reacting to the arrest of the Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. In a brief telephone interview with […]

The so-called "Congreso de los Pueblos" has occupied five government buildings this week. Photo: Richard Emblin

Bogotá: “Criminal structures” behind Congress of the Peoples protest

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2025

A wave of coordinated protests and building occupations by the social movement known as the “Congress of the Peoples” has raised alarms in Bogotá this week, after Interior Minister Armando Benedetti claimed that “criminal structures” are behind the unrest, pointing to alleged infiltration by armed groups, most notably the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla. The […]

Venezuelan Activists Attacked in Bogotá During Targeted Shooting

By The City Paper Staff - October 14, 2025

Two Venezuelan human rights activists living in exile in Colombia were wounded in a targeted shooting on Monday afternoon in northern Bogotá, an attack that has renewed fears over the safety of political dissidents in the country. The assault took place just days after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel […]

Bogotá braces for protests and mobility havoc on Tuesday

By The City Paper Staff - September 15, 2025

Bogotá drivers from multiple sectors plan a mass protest on September 17 against Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, citing 18 grievances including corruption, insecurity, and abusive mobility policies. The demonstration threatens major traffic disruptions in Colombia’s capital.

Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies at 39 After Assassination Attempt

By Richard Emblin - August 11, 2025

Miguel Uribe Turbay, the prominent Colombian politician and presidential candidate has died age 39, two months after an assassination attempt in Bogotá. Turbay was shot at close range in the head by a 15-year-old hired gunman.

Colombia’s AG Denies Assassination Plot Against Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán

By Richard Emblin - July 23, 2025

Colombia’s Attorney General has denied reports of a plot to assassinate Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, calling a wiretapped conversation aired by Noticias RCN a misinterpreted joke between drug dealers in Bucaramanga. The call appears to be unrelated to the investigation into the June 7 attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Bogotá Cracks Down on Drug Gangs and Stolen Vehicle Parts in Security Sweeps

By Richard Emblin - July 18, 2025

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced two major security operations: the arrest of 31 gang members distributing drugs near schools and universities, and the seizure of 150 stolen vehicle engines in Siete de Agosto. Galán warned that rising drug production is fueling urban crime nationwide.

Petro “Loses the Street” as National Strike stalls with rising discontent

By Richard Emblin - June 1, 2025

President Petro’s failed national strike and empty plazas reveal his dwindling public support. As violent protests disrupt daily life, Colombians are turning away from his rhetoric, signaling that the President who once owned the streets has now lost them.

After a severe water crisis in Bogotá, Mayor Galán ends rationing

By The City Paper Staff - April 11, 2025

Bogotá ends year-long water rationing as Chingaza reservoir levels stabilize, marking a major recovery from one of the city’s worst water crises. Mayor Galán urges continued conservation, citing improved inflows, weather, and public cooperation in avoiding supply disruption.

Petro’s Civic Day rallies thousands, but Senate rejects contentious Labor Reform

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2025

Thousands marched in Bogotá on Petro’s “Civic Day” to pressure Congress into passing his labor reform, but the Senate rejected the bill. Petro condemned lawmakers, warning of a referendum push as political tensions between his administration and Congress escalate.

Violent turf war in Bogotá’s San Bernardo leaves three dead, nine injured

By The City Paper Staff - March 13, 2025

A grenade explosion in Bogotá’s San Bernardo neighborhood on March 12 has killed three and injured nine. District authorities link the attack to ongoing turf wars between criminal groups over control of the micro-trafficking drugs trade.

The First Line of Bogotá Metro reaches halfway mark in construction

By The City Paper Staff - March 9, 2025

Bogotá’s Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced that the First Line of the Bogotá Metro has reached 50% completion. The 23.9 km line, set to open in 2028, will transform urban mobility, easing congestion and modernizing the city’s public transport system. The first train will arrive in the Colombian capital in September.

From vandalism to gang violence: Bogotá’s perception of insecurity on the rise

By Richard Emblin - February 28, 2025

Bogotá’s insecurity crisis worsens as masked attackers vandalize the historic Tren de la Sabana near Corferias. Mayor Galán implements new security measures, but rising homicides and gang violence fuel public concern. Authorities debate reinstating motorcycle passenger restrictions to curb crime.

Bogotá could lift water rationing in April, cautions Mayor Galán

By The City Paper Staff - February 24, 2025

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán cautioned that water rationing in the Colombian capital could end in April as the Chingaza reservoir system continues to recover. Water rationing was implemented in April, 2024, as the city experienced a severe drought.

Bogotá prepares for first No Car Day of 2025 on Thursday

By The City Paper Staff - February 4, 2025

On February 6, Bogotá will hold its first No Car and No Motorcycle Day of 2025, encouraging alternative transportation. TransMilenio and SITP will operate at full capacity, while 101 km of special bike lanes and 3,300 shared bicycles will be available.