In a respectful, yet unapologetic letter to President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s former Foreign Minister, Álvaro Leyva Durán expressed his deep disappointment in the current adminstration and blames the leftist leader’s “erratic behaviour” on substance abuse.
Latest News
Colombia declares national health emergency with Yellow Fever outbreak
Colombia has declared a national health emergency amid a yellow fever outbreak, with 76 cases and 34 deaths reported. President Gustavo Petro has ordered a mass vaccination campaign, targeting both rural and urban areas. Bogotá has set up immunization points at bus terminals and El Dorado Airport to curb further spread.
Colombia to replace Kfirs with Sweden’s SAAB Gripen fighter jet
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.
Colombia and U.S to expand Biometric Data Sharing for migration and security
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
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
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
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.
Petro’s mockery of Senator Barrera and his horse sparks outrage
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
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
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.
Colombia’s Petro calls for referendum to let “the people decide” reforms
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
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.
Trump Tariffs: A looming crisis for Colombian farmers and women workers
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 tourism sector faces security challenges amid ANATO’s 44th edition
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.
Colombia opens peace talks with paramilitary Self-Defense Forces of Sierra Nevada
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
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.