Latest News

Colombia’s JEP Sentences Ex-FARC for Mass Kidnappings

By Richard Emblin - September 16, 2025

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal issued its first sanctions against seven former FARC commanders, holding them responsible for kidnapping over 21,000 people. Classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, the commanders received eight-year restorative sanctions under the 2016 peace accord.

U.S. Decertifies Colombia’s Anti-Drug Efforts, Petro on the Defensive

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2025

The United States has decertified Colombia’s anti-drug efforts for the first time since 1994, citing record coca crops under President Gustavo Petro. While Washington issued a waiver to maintain aid, the move risks straining a key alliance and jeopardizing $453 million in U.S. assistance.

Labor Ministry suspends Bogotá’s Andrés D.C. after safety incident

By The City Paper Staff - September 10, 2025

Colombia’s Ministry of Labor has ordered the immediate suspension of activities at Bogotá’s iconic Andrés D.C. restaurant after an inspection found safety risks. The decision follows an accident that left nine customers injured.

Petro Hardens Rhetoric on Maduro as U.S. Certification Deadline Nears

By The City Paper Staff - September 9, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has toughened his stance on Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and suggested a return to aerial fumigation of coca crops after soldiers were kidnapped in Cauca, as Washington weighs whether to decertify Colombia in its anti-narcotics efforts.

The Shadow of U.S. Certification Looms Over Colombia

By Richard Emblin - September 8, 2025

Colombia faces a critical U.S. anti-narcotics certification decision by September 15, testing a security partnership with Washington. Despite record cocaine seizures, coca cultivation has surged, straining ties under President Petro. Defense Minister Sánchez warns decertification would empower illegal armed groups.

Oscar Pérez-Escobar: Mapping The Orchid Tree of Life

By Richard Emblin - September 6, 2025

Colombian botanist Oscar Alejandro Pérez-Escobar, Research Group Leader at Kew Gardens, leads the Orchid Tree of Life project, tracing the evolution of 30,000 orchid species. His research, published in New Phytologist, underscores orchids as “canaries in a coalmine,” vital for biodiversity, conservation, and understanding climate change.

CELAC Convenes Urgent Meeting Over U.S Deployment in the Caribbean

By The City Paper Staff - September 1, 2025

Colombia, as Celac chair, convened an urgent virtual meeting of regional foreign ministers to discuss U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean. Venezuela condemned the warships as a hostile threat, urging condemnation, while Bogotá stressed dialogue and respect for sovereignty amid growing regional security concerns.

Kidnapped Soldiers in Colombia’s Guaviare Running Low on Food and Water

By The City Paper Staff - August 28, 2025

Thirty-four Colombian soldiers have been held hostage for over four days in Guaviare after clashes with FARC dissidents. Surrounded by civilians, they face dwindling food and water supplies as government and international mediators work to secure their release.

U.S. Sends Nuclear Submarine USS Newport News toward Venezuela

By The City Paper Staff - August 27, 2025

The United States deployed the nuclear submarine USS Newport News and cruiser USS Lake Erie to the Caribbean, escalating tensions with Venezuela. Caracas responded with warship and troop deployments, and lodged a U.N. complaint accusing Washington of intimidation and violating disarmament commitments.

Petro Under Pressure as Venezuela Moves 15,000 Troops Toward Border

By Richard Emblin - August 25, 2025

Tensions are rising across the hemisphere after Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that 15,000 troops will be sent to the border with Colombia as the U.S Navy presence in the Caribbean intensifies.

Terror Attacks Across Colombia Kill 19, Injure 70 in Cali and Antioquia

By The City Paper Staff - August 21, 2025

At least eleven people are dead in Colombia after FARC dissidents detonated a truck bomb outside an air force base in Cali and shot down a police helicopter in Antioquia, in one of the deadliest days of recent violence.

Petro Tells Trump That Military Action in Venezuela is “Worst Mistake”

By The City Paper Staff - August 20, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned U.S. President Donald Trump that military action in Venezuela would be the “worst mistake,” after Washington deployed three warships to the Caribbean. Petro said an intervention risked dragging Colombia into a Syria-like conflict while fueling regional instability.

U.S warships near Venezuela: Is Latin America’s left facing a reckoning?

By Richard Emblin - August 19, 2025

The United States has deployed three guided-missile destroyers to waters off Venezuela, escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro, who has mobilised 4.5 million militia members. The move comes as Colombia mourns Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay a close ally of the Trump administration.

Colombia Says Goodbye to Miguel Uribe Turbay

By Richard Emblin - August 14, 2025

Miguel Uribe Turbay was laid to rest in Bogotá after an emotional farewell that began at the Capitol and ended at the Primary Cathedral. Leaders and citizens alike mourned the former senator, remembering his public service, legacy, and dedication to Colombia’s democratic values.

Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies at 39 After Assassination Attempt

By Richard Emblin - August 11, 2025

Miguel Uribe Turbay, the prominent Colombian politician and presidential candidate has died age 39, two months after an assassination attempt in Bogotá. Turbay was shot at close range in the head by a 15-year-old hired gunman.

Trial over Truth: Uribe and the Assault on Colombia’s Historical Memory

By Opinion Desk - August 6, 2025

Former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe’s 12-year house arrest sentence has ignited political turmoil, with critics calling it a selective prosecution aimed at rewriting the nation’s conflict narrative.