Latest News

ELN and FARC dissidents fight for control of Colombia’s Catatumbo

By The City Paper Staff - January 18, 2025

Clashes between Colombia’s ELN guerrilla and FARC dissidents in the mountainous Catatumbo region have killed 30, injured 20, and displaced 100 families. President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks, citing war crimes, as violence disrupts vulnerable communities, commerce, and education.

Sacred Music, Sacred Territories: Colombia Es Música Sacra tributes the Putumayo

By Richard Emblin - January 15, 2025

The Colombia es Música Sacra tour arrived in Puerto Asís,Putumayo, with Camëntsá women from JASHNAN performing ancestral songs in a Catholic church. The event celebrated Indigenous resilience, cultural preservation, and reconciliation along the historic, extractive-ravaged Río Putumayo.

As Trump inauguration looms, Venezuela’s political crisis tests Petro Government

By Richard Emblin - January 14, 2025

Colombia faces escalating tensions with Venezuela as former President Álvaro Uribe advocates U.N-backed military intervention. As President-elect Trump’s inauguration looms, questions about U.S. policy toward the crisis and regional diplomatic strategies under his leadership remain unclear.

Venezuela at “Historic Moment”; Colombia tightens security along border

By Richard Emblin - January 9, 2025

Colombia’s Ambassador will attend Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration amid criticism. Security tightens along the border as protests erupt worldwide against Maduro’s regime. Venezuela issues arrest orders for nine former Latin American presidents, including Andrés Pastrana.

Maduro activates Venezuela’s “full security force” as tensions escalate in Caracas

By Richard Emblin - January 8, 2025

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has activated the state’s security forces ahead of his January 10 inauguration. Opposition leader Edmundo González and nine ex-presidents are expected in Caracas for large-scale anti-regime protests on Thursday.

Medellín’s Comuna 13 rejects Pablo Escobar memorabilia

By Richard Emblin - January 7, 2025

Medellín’s Comuna 13 attracts nearly 900,000 visitors annually, blending vibrant art with community-focused tourism. The merchandise and tours glorifying Pablo Escobar have overshadowed the identity of a city rooted in culture and innovation.

Colombia silent over Maduro’s sham January 10 inauguration

By Richard Emblin - January 6, 2025

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro faces global condemnation ahead of a sham January 10 inauguration, defying Edmundo González’s electoral win. Colombia’s silence risks endorsing authoritarianism as tensions escalate with protests and international pressure.

The Colombian Buñuelo: A Christmas tradition rooted in resilience

By The City Paper Staff - December 20, 2024

Colombia’s beloved buñuelo, a Christmas staple, traces its roots to Moorish Spain and African culinary traditions. This golden, cheesy snack symbolizes unity, blending diverse cultural influences into a timeless holiday treat.

Human remains discovered at Medellín’s La Escombrera, believed to be Colombia’s largest mass grave

By The City Paper Staff - December 19, 2024

Colombia’s JEP and missing persons entity UBPD have uncovered human remains at La Escombrera, Medellín’s largest municipal dump, and remains linked to over 500 forced disappearances during the internal conflict.

La Alta Guajira: un desierto hermosamente hostil

By María Claudia Peña - December 13, 2024

La Alta Guajira combina paisajes desérticos y cultura wayuú, ofreciendo turismo sostenible y comunitario. Su difícil acceso resalta la belleza natural, tradiciones ancestrales y desafíos de infraestructura departamental. Es un destino para disfrutar playas baldías y panoramas surreales.

Casa de Moneda’s new exhibition hall redefines Colombia’s Changing Image

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2024

The Museo Casa de Moneda in Bogotá, owned by Colombia’s Banco de la República, has opened a new exhibition titled 21st Century: A Country Changing Its Image. This marks the completion of a two-year renovation and explores Colombia’s evolving identity through nearly 300 artifacts, including coins and banknotes.

Muisca Raft returns to new exhibition room at Bogotá’s Museo del Oro

By Richard Emblin - December 13, 2024

Bogotá’s Gold Museum unveils a revamped exhibit showcasing the iconic Muisca Raft and its ceremonial artifacts, discovered in Pasca, Cundinamarca. This intricate gold votive offering, tied to El Dorado mythology, highlights Muisca craftsmanship and spirituality. The exhibition opens December 19, featuring interactive displays and detailed cultural narratives.

UK citizen Christopher Neil arrested in Medellín with ties to Gulf Clan

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2024

UK citizen Christopher Neil was wanted on an INTERPOL red notice and is accused of orchestrating major cocaine shipments to the United Kingdom and engaging in extensive money laundering operations.

Trump Names Orlando Attorney and Sheriff Dan Newlin as Ambassador to Colombia

By The City Paper Staff - December 12, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Orlando attorney and former sheriff Dan Newlin as U.S. Ambassador to Colombia. Newlin’s expertise in law enforcement and business aligns with Trump’s priorities to combat organized crime and strengthen U.S.-Colombia relations.

La Alta Guajira: Colombia’s most beautiful and hostile desert

By María Claudia Peña - December 11, 2024

La Alta Guajira, Colombia, offers breathtaking desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich Wayuú culture. Visitors can explore sacred sites like Jepira, enjoy sustainable tourism, and experience authentic Wayuú traditions, showcasing the region’s beauty and resilience amidst modern challenges.

UN stands by claim of 20,000 dead at Bogotá Airport, cites “Credible Sources”

By Richard Emblin - December 10, 2024

The UN’s claim of 20,000 unidentified bodies at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport has sparked controversy, with Colombian officials rejecting the assertion as unverified. Despite the criticism, the UN defends its findings, citing credible sources.