Latest News

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.

Colombia’s Petro threatens Visas for Britons in “Reciprocity” to the UK

By Richard Emblin - November 26, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to impose visa requirements on British citizens in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to reinstate travel visas for Colombians starting December 24, 2024.

The London Eye was lit in the colors of the Colombian flag. (Photo Presidencia de la República)

UK to reinstate Visa Requirement for Colombian travelers

By The City Paper Staff - November 26, 2024

The United Kingdom will reintroduce visa requirements for Colombian nationals starting December 24, 2024, citing an increase in fraudulent asylum applications. Colombian Ambassador Roy Barreras confirmed the decision, stating it was prompted by a minority abusing the visa-free travel introduced in 2022.

Colombia’s Petro welcomes ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu: “A Genocidal Maniac”

By Richard Emblin - November 21, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Petro labeled Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac” and warned U.S. President Joe Biden against ignoring the ruling, claiming it would lead to “barbarism.”

Under Secretary Rubio, U.S-Colombia relations take a hardline turn for Petro

By Richard Emblin - November 12, 2024

As the incoming U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio has been openly critical of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s foreign and domestic policies.

Colombia’s Petro faces isolation with Trump’s return to the White House

By Richard Emblin - November 6, 2024

Donald Trump’s return to power presents challenges for Colombia’s President Petro, whose policies on Israel and drug eradication may strain U.S.-Colombia relations, leading to potential political shifts ahead of 2026 elections

COP16 ends with urgent commitments to global conservation efforts

By Richard Emblin - November 1, 2024

COP16 concludes in Colombia, uniting global leaders and communities with a message of “Peace with Nature” and setting bold commitments for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Colombia and Costa Rica seal Biodiversity Pact as COP16 enters final week

By The City Paper Staff - October 28, 2024

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia and Costa Rica announced a landmark fund to protect the Chocó Biogeographic Region, a vital biodiversity corridor spanning Central and South America.

Colombia recognizes Indigenous Peoples as Environmental Authorities ahead of COP16

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2024

President Gustavo Petro signed a decree granting indigenous communities environmental authority over their territories. The move comes as Colombia prepares for COP16, highlighting indigenous roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management

“The coup has begun”: Petro responds as CNE opens probe into 2022 campaign financing

By The City Paper Staff - October 8, 2024

Colombia’s National Election Council (CNE) has opened an investigation into President Gustavo Petro and his former campaign manager Ricardo Roa over alleged campaign finance violations in 2022. Petro claims a “coup has begun” to oust him from office.

Betancourt responds to “Gafas” joining FARC dissidents: “Man of Infinite Darkness”

By Richard Emblin - October 8, 2024

Former FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt reacted strongly to Alexánder Farfán Suárez, alias “Gafas,” rejoining dissident factions, calling him “a man of infinite darkness.” Betancourt criticized his appointment as a peace facilitator by President Petro, stating that it was evident to former captives that the move was a “farce.”

Petro and Mancuso’s hat exchange precedes a deadly weekend in Colombia

By Richard Emblin - October 7, 2024

After President Petro and former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso exchanged hats in a bizarre ceremony for the victims of forced displacement, Colombia witnessed a violent weekend, with over 14 people killed in four separate massacres.

Colombia’s business sector gloomy of economic outlook under Petro

By Richard Emblin - September 30, 2024

Over 60% of Colombian business owners are contemplating relocating abroad due to economic instability under President Gustavo Petro, a Fenalco survey reveals. High interest rates, rising inflation, and security concerns have worsened the business climate, with leaders urging clearer economic policies for recovery.

Colombia’s Petro presents his doomsday scenario at UN General Assembly

By Richard Emblin - September 24, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, addressing the UN General Assembly, warned of global extinction fueled by war and environmental destruction. While calling for a “global revolution,” his speech was criticized for neglecting Colombia’s domestic issues, including his faltering “total peace” agenda and escalating violence in vulnerable communities.

Petro on Arauca Bombing: “ELN practically closes peace process with blood”

By Richard Emblin - September 18, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla for a violent attack that killed two soldiers and injured 27 others in Arauca, signaling a potential end to ongoing peace talks.

ELN attack on Colombian military base in Arauca kills two soldiers, injures 27

By The City Paper Staff - September 17, 2024

Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group carried out an attack on a military base near Puerto Jordán in the department of Arauca early Tuesday, injuring at least 17 soldiers, the Army has confirmed. The attack involved the use of explosive devices launched from a dump truck.