Latest News

Petro’s cabinet in turmoil as resignations follow Benedetti’s appointment

By The City Paper Staff - February 10, 2025

President Gustavo Petro’s government faces turmoil after key ministers resigned in protest of Armando Benedetti’s appointment as Chief of Staff. Benedetti, implicated in charges of illegal campaign financing, and dubious ties to Venezuela’s Maduro regime, has deepened divisions within Petro’s administration.

Bogotá’s iconic Teatro Mayor presents its 2025 season

By The City Paper Staff - February 6, 2025

Teatro Mayor celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025 with a diverse program featuring top international performers, festivals, and collaborations. Highlights include classical music, dance, and theater productions, reinforcing its role as a premier cultural hub in Latin America.

Aguardiente Amarillo: A legendary Colombian spirit takes on “Goliath” and wins

By Richard Emblin - February 5, 2025

Colombia’s iconic Aguardiente Amarillo will now be available nationwide after a historic ruling by the Constitutional Court, allowing the spirit to reach new markets beyond its coffee region origins, boosting the country’s rich liquor heritage.

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.

ELN warns Colombia’s Petro that it “Will Never Accept Submission or Surrender”

By Richard Emblin - February 3, 2025

As Colombia escalates its military operations against the ELN guerrilla after weeks of violence in Catatumbo region, President Petro disclosed classified intelligence on social media. The ELN has vowed to not surrender, while security threats deepen in the department of Cauca.

U.S Executive Order to Freeze Aid impacts Colombia’s Black Hawk fleet

By Richard Emblin - January 31, 2025

President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign aid threatens to ground Colombia’s Black Hawk helicopters, vital for counter-narcotics and security operations. With Russian MI-17s also grounded, Colombia faces disruptions in conflict zones such as Catatumbo and environmental protection efforts within its National Parks.

New FM Laura Sarabia must reset Colombia’s image with Washington

By Richard Emblin - January 30, 2025

Colombia’s new Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, faces the challenge of mending strained U.S. relations after diplomatic tensions escalated over deportations and social media clashes. Amid economic and security concerns, Sarabia must restore trust and protect Colombia’s global reputation.

As Deportation Flights continue, Colombians face visa suspensions amid dispute

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Colombia received its third deportation flight from the U.S. amid a diplomatic standoff between Petro and Trump. With the suspension of travel visas, Petro’s late-night social media postings have fueled concern over his erratic leadership style.

Colombia’s Liberal Party declares independence from Petro’s Government

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Former President César Gaviria and leader of the Liberal Party announced the break, citing institutional decline and recent governance debacle, including migrant crisis with President Trump.

Petro triggers political crisis with U.S. before temporary resolution

By The City Paper Staff - January 27, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked a diplomatic crisis with the U.S. by rejecting deportee flights, prompting retaliatory tariffs and visa sanctions from President Trump. Petro ultimately relented, agreeing to U.S. demands to resume deportations under strict American conditions.

Displaced from Colombia’s Catatumbo at 36,000 confirms Defensoría

By The City Paper Staff - January 23, 2025

Colombia’s Armed Forces launch an offensive in Catatumbo as violence between ELN and FARC dissidents displaces 36,000. The Ombudsman warns other regions, including Cauca, Guaviare, Valle del Cauca and Cauca, risk similar humanitarian crises.

Qatar Airways expands network with new flights to Bogotá and Caracas

By The City Paper Staff - January 22, 2025

Qatar Airways will launch two weekly flights connecting Doha to Bogotá and Caracas in summer 2025, becoming the first airline with non-stop Middle East-Colombia service. This expansion aims to enhance global connectivity and promotes trade and tourism.

Is Maduro establishing a stronghold in Colombia’s Catatumbo using ELN as a proxy?

By Richard Emblin - January 22, 2025

The humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo deepens as violence between the ELN and FARC dissidents forces 32,000 to flee. Critics of the dictatorship believe Maduro’s regime is leveraging the ELN to establish dominance over Colombia’s border region, exploiting its strategic drug-trafficking routes. With Venezuelan troops stationed nearby and accusations of direct support for armed groups, concerns grow over Maduro’s ambitions to extend his influence into Colombian territory.

Conflict in Catatumbo sparks Colombia’s worst humanitarian crisis in decades

By The City Paper Staff - January 21, 2025

Violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has displaced 20,000 people amid clashes between ELN guerrillas and FARC dissidents. Humanitarian aid is overwhelmed as thousands flee to urban centers. Authorities report 100 fatalities, with children comprising 35% of the displaced population.

President Gustavo Petro in San Andrés on the day of the kidnapping of 79 Colombian policemen. Photo: Presidencia

Colombia’s Petro declares “State of Siege” over Catatumbo violence

By The City Paper Staff - January 20, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of siege amid escalating violence in Catatumbo, Norte de Santander, displacing 11,000 people. Petro accuses the ELN of becoming a drug cartel, vowing tough military action against the guerrilla.

Humanitarian crisis erupts in Colombia’s Catatumbo amid ELN violence

By The City Paper Staff - January 20, 2025

Over 11,000 people have fled Colombia’s Catatumbo region amid escalating violence between ELN and FARC dissidents. The death toll has reached 100. As the Armed Forces deploy additional troops, President Petro may declare a state of internal disturbance.