Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans to sign a letter of intent to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative during a May visit to Beijing, signaling a major geopolitical shift that could strain ties with the U.S. and alarm business leaders as trade tariffs loom.
Heavy rains across Colombia’s Antioquia department have triggered over 1,000 emergencies, with 87 municipalities under red or orange alert. Medellín and surrounding areas face flooding, landslides, and hospital overcrowding, as La Niña conditions continue to worsen throughout May.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended his security policy amid a surge in violence that has left 27 officers dead. Downplaying fears of collapse, Petro blamed international drug networks and claimed “Dubai is the new Miami for narcos.” Critics warn his “total peace” strategy is faltering as attacks against the police escalate.
In a world of evolving transnational crime, global cooperation is key. The UAE reaffirms its commitment to Interpol’s efforts in South America, highlighting the power of shared intelligence and partnerships to build a safer, united international community.
More than 16,000 Indigenous protesters have arrived in Bogotá ahead of May Day marches supporting President Petro’s reform agenda. Their occupation of the National University sparked tensions after confrontations with students and reports of machete-armed individuals. Authorities are coordinating security as mass demonstrations are expected across the capital on Thursday.
A Colombian family was among 11 people killed when a vehicle drove into crowds at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival. Vigils are being held citywide. The suspect, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, faces multiple murder charges. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended one of the memorials.
The IMF has suspended Colombia’s $9.8bn credit line, citing rising public debt and fiscal risk. President Petro responded with a personal attack on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, sparking political backlash. Analysts warn the move could hurt investor confidence and raise borrowing costs amid global financial uncertainty.
Germany and Colombia have signed a joint declaration to expand legal migration and curb irregular flows. The agreement aims to reduce asylum claims and promote labour, education, and training opportunities for Colombians, amid Germany’s push to fill skilled worker shortages.
Colombia’s Gustavo Petro has once again stirred controversy with the United States after claiming that the Department of State may have revoked his travel visa.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and tireless advocate for Colombia’s 2016 peace accord with FARC rebels, died at 88. His 2017 visit helped heal a war-torn nation. Revered globally for championing reconciliation, he bridged faith and diplomacy during a transformative era for the Catholic Church.
Colombia has declared a national health emergency amid a yellow fever outbreak, with 76 cases and 34 deaths reported. President Gustavo Petro has ordered a mass vaccination campaign, targeting both rural and urban areas. Bogotá has set up immunization points at bus terminals and El Dorado Airport to curb further spread.
From Philip Glass to Piazzolla, the seventh edition of Bogotá’s acclaimed classical music festival Bogotá Es América pays homage to the continent’s vast sonic landscape. The festival hosted by Teatro Mayor will present 40 concerts, 11 of which are free to the public.
An exhibition at Bogotá’s Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia (MAMU) traces centuries of Colombian artists’ relationship with nature – through oil, ink, watercolor and flowers.
The Basque Ambassadors Awards 2025 tributed eight chefs who are more than culinary artists but also agents for social change. Through their dedication to tradition, innovation, and sustainability, they redefine the global gastronomic landscape, one dish at a time.
Italian molecular biologist Alessandro Coatti, 42, was found dismembered near Santa Marta, Colombia, after traveling through South America. A former senior officer at the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, his death is being investigated for possible links to illegal armed groups operating in the Sierra Nevada.
The Colombian peso slumped amid Wall Street’s sell-off and falling oil prices, but has steadied near COP$4,400 to the USD. The currency remains volatile as global markets rebound on hopes of tariff negotiations.