Latest News

Another hit to US-Colombia relations after Noem describes “contentious” Petro meeting

By The City Paper Staff - April 7, 2025

U.S.- Colombia relations are under strain after U.S. Secretary Kristi Noem described her meeting with President Petro as “contentious,” claiming he was friends with cartel members. Colombia has categorially rejected the remarks, calling them false and damaging to bilateral cooperation on security and migration.

Bogotá in Top Three of Latin America for Foreign Direct Investment

By Richard Emblin - April 4, 2025

With 105 foreign investment projects in 2024, the Colombian capital stands out as a magnet for expansion in services, retail, and technology. Great connectivity for the business community, world-class cultural events and a highly-skilled workforce has secured Bogotá as a trusted destination for investors.

Colombia to replace Kfirs with Sweden’s SAAB Gripen fighter jet

By The City Paper Staff - April 3, 2025

Colombia has signed a letter of intent to purchase between 16 and 24 modern fighter jets from Sweden. The deal with aircraft manufacturer SAAB would replace the country’s ageing Israeli Kfirs with the JAS39 Gripen.

Over 1,200 indigenous protesters occupy Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar

By Richard Emblin - April 3, 2025

Some 1,200 Indigenous people from Colombia’s southwestern departments have gathered peacefully in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar for a third consecutive day, calling for a meeting with President Gustavo Petro to discuss violence in their territories and the government’s unfulfilled commitments.

IDEAM forecasts intense rains in Bogotá for three months

By The City Paper Staff - April 1, 2025

Bogotá and much of Colombia will face heavy rainfall until mid-June, IDEAM warns. Increased precipitation raises risks of floods, landslides, and river overflows, particularly in Andean and Caribbean regions. Authorities urge preventive measures amid worsening weather conditions.

Carlos Lehder’s sudden return to Colombia revives legacy of Medellin Cartel

By Richard Emblin - March 31, 2025

Carlos Lehder, one of the founding leaders of the Medellín Cartel and a key figure in the history of cocaine trafficking, was arrested by Colombian authorities upon his arrival from Germany on Friday, March 28.

Memory, Territory, and Identity: The Art of Juliana Ríos

By The City Paper Staff - March 30, 2025

Colombian artist Juliana Río explores memory, nature, and identity in a new Bogotá exhibition hosted by Leon Tovar projects. Her evocative paintings capture the essence of La Guajira’s landscapes, blending tradition and personal narratives. The inauguration on March 19 was held at Torres Atrio in Bogotá.

Colombia and U.S to expand Biometric Data Sharing for migration and security

By The City Paper Staff - March 27, 2025

Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia hosted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at the San Carlos Palace in Bogotá where an agreement was signed that would expand the sharing of biometric data for law enforcement and migration controls.

Cauca under fire. FARC dissidents launch wave of terror attacks

By The City Paper Staff - March 27, 2025

FARC dissidents launched coordinated attacks across ten municipalities in the department of Cauca, Colombia, killing one soldier and injuring over 80 people. Explosives strapped to motorbikes, drone strikes, and armed assaults have prompted heightened security in the southwest of the country.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to visit Colombia amid tensions over mass deportations

By The City Paper Staff - March 26, 2025

In the first high-level visit by a member of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will meet with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia on Thursday in Bogotá.

Colombia’s gas agenda at risk with US tariffs on Venezuelan energy imports

By Richard Emblin - March 25, 2025

The U.S. objective to impose secondary tariffs on all countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas has stalled President Petro’s plans for greater energy integration. Petro has urged Ecopetrol to explore Qatari gas imports amid rising domestic shortages and potential trade tensions with Washington.

SER: The Hat Couture of Medellín designer Andrea Agudelo

By Richard Emblin - March 24, 2025

Designer Andrea Agudelo launches SER, a hat couture brand blending fashion, art, and mindfulness. Her debut collection, Born from Light, features handcrafted headwear symbolizing identity and transformation. SER will expand globally through gallery installations and a bespoke atelier in Medellín.

In separate accidents this month 75 foreigners pulled from open sea near Cartagena

By The City Paper Staff - March 21, 2025

Seventy-five foreign tourists have been rescued in two separate maritime accidents near Cartagena’s Barú Peninsula. A boat carrying 38 Europeans capsized Thursday, following a similar March 2 incident. Authorities cite rough seas and stress stricter maritime safety measures.

Petro’s mockery of Senator Barrera and his horse sparks outrage

By The City Paper Staff - March 20, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faced backlash for mocking Casanare Senator Alirio Barrera’s grief over his horse’s death. Critics condemned Petro’s remark as cruel and a deflection from his labor reform’s failure, highlighting his tendency to replace debate with personal attacks on social media.

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.

Petro mobilizes Civic Day to defy Congress on social reforms

By The City Paper Staff - March 17, 2025

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro has declared March 18 a “Civic Day” to rally support for his social reforms, bypassing Congress. By pressuring workers to march, Petro risks deepening political divides and setting a dangerous precedent of governance through mass mobilization over the due legislative process.