Latest News

Colombia’s Petro calls for referendum to let “the people decide” reforms

By Richard Emblin - March 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a national referendum on his unpopular reforms after lawmakers shelved the labor reform in the Senate. Critics claim the move undermines democracy and the autonomy of Congress, with concerns a referendum sets a dangerous precedent for governing by a populist decree.

Petro orders Ecopetrol to source natural gas from Qatar

By The City Paper Staff - March 11, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for diversifying natural gas imports, ordering state-owned Ecopetrol to source from Qatar in order to reduce costs and end reliance on the U.S. His proposal comes with rising gas prices, inflation concerns, and a significant new gas discovery off Colombia’s coast.

ELN commanders claim Petro’s Total Peace is becoming “Total War”

By Richard Emblin - March 10, 2025

ELN commanders in Colombia claim President Petro’s “Total Peace” policy is escalating the conflict in Catatumbo, accusing the government of shifting to military action rather than peace talks. The violence has displaced tens of thousands, with no resolution in sight.

Long lost Spanish Fort discovered in the depths of Cartagena bay

By Richard Emblin - March 6, 2025

A long-lost Spanish fort, San Matías, has been rediscovered submerged in Cartagena Bay, Colombia. Built in 1567 to defend the city, the fort was dismantled in 1626. The discovery opens new insights into the region’s colonial defense system.

Colombia’s top Grammy Artists banned from entering Maduro’s Venezuela

By The City Paper Staff - March 5, 2025

The Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro has banned prominent Colombian Grammy-winning artists, including Juanes, Carlos Vives, Maluma, and Silvestre Dangond, from entering the country. The ba announced by Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of the Interior, accuses the artists of supporting the opposition and inciting political instability.

Trump Tariffs: A looming crisis for Colombian farmers and women workers

By Richard Emblin - March 4, 2025

U.S. tariffs on Colombian agricultural exports, including coffee and flowers, threaten thousands of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. The peso faces devaluation, and China may seize the opportunity to expand its influence as Colombia seeks alternative trade partners.

Colombia’s AG ordered to provide information on 546 disappeared members of security forces

By Richard Emblin - March 3, 2025

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) gave the Attorney General’s Office 45 days to provide information on 546 disappeared members of the armed forces, aiming to advance their identification and ensure victims’ rights to truth and justice.

Colombia’s tourism sector faces security challenges amid ANATO’s 44th edition

By Richard Emblin - February 27, 2025

Colombia’s ANATO tourism fair opens amid security concerns and President Petro’s no show during the opening cereomony. Industry leaders emphasized tourism’s economic importance, while Bogotá, Barranquilla and Santa Marta showcase growth, sustainability, and international partnerships to boost the country’s global standing.

U.S and UK intel lead Colombian Police to alias “Terror” of Gulf Clan

By The City Paper Staff - February 25, 2025

Colombia’s National Police, backed with U.S. and U.K. intelligence, killed Gulf Clan leader Oliverio Isaza Gómez, alias “Terror,” in Antioquia. The raid dealt a major blow to drug trafficking and organized crime, disrupting the clan’s expansion in Magdalena Medio.

Colombia opens peace talks with paramilitary Self-Defense Forces of Sierra Nevada

By Richard Emblin - February 24, 2025

The Colombian government of President Petro has launched peace talks with the Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), aiming to dismantle the group’s criminal activities in the world’s highest coastal mountain range and reintegrate its members, amid escalating violence and territorial disputes with armed groups.

ELN attacks in Cúcuta reveal armed control over Colombian border city

By The City Paper Staff - February 21, 2025

Cúcuta grapples with a deep security crisis after ELN attacks injure seven. The government deploys thousands of police and soldiers, offering rewards for information on those responsible for the escalating violence in the Colombian border city.

Colombia’s Justice Minister sounds alarm over child suicides linked to forced recruitment

By The City Paper Staff - February 17, 2025

Colombia’s Justice Minister Ángela María Buitrago warned of rising child suicides linked to forced recruitment by armed groups. Cases surged over 1,000% in four years, particularly in rural areas like Chocó, highlighting the government’s struggle to protect vulnerable youth.

ELN flag spotted on Bogotá’s AutoNorte, Cali denounces FARC clandestine radio

By The City Paper Staff - February 14, 2025

Authorities in Bogotá closed a major motorway after an ELN flag was found near the city’s northern entrance. No explosives were discovered. Police are investigating possible criminal group involvement. Similar flags and a bomb cylinder were found in other regions on anniversary of Camilo Torres’ death.

U.S. to designate Colombia’s Gulf Clan as a Terrorist Organization

By The City Paper Staff - February 13, 2025

The Trump administration designates eight Latin American gangs, including Colombia’s Gulf Clan, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, escalating U.S. counterterrorism efforts against narcotrafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.

In Colombia’s Chocó, ELN landmines trap communities in fear

By Richard Emblin - February 12, 2025

Landmines planted by the ELN guerrilla across Colombia’s Chocó have trapped communities in fear, preventing farming and medical evacuations. Governor Nubia Córdova urges government action as violence displaces thousands. Troop deployments fall short, highlighting the need for demining and social investment.

Defence Minister resigns as ELN violence engulfs Colombia’s Chocó

By The City Paper Staff - February 11, 2025

Colombia faces escalating violence as ELN guerrillas and the Clan del Golfo battle for control in Chocó, displacing thousands and confining over 50,000 residents. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez resigns amid worsening security, leaving vulnerable communities at the mercy of illegal armed groups.