Latest News

Colombia's Gustavo Petro during the May Day rally in Bogotá's Plaza de Bolívar. Photo: Presidencia.

Petro claims ‘coup’ imminent as Colombia’s Electoral Council reviews charges of irregular campaign financing

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has escalated his rhetoric, claiming an imminent “coup” orchestrated from within state entities as the National Electoral Council (CNE) prepares for a critical meeting to address allegations of irregular campaign financing during his 2022 presidential campaign.

Colombia's Peace Commissioner Danilo Rueda shakes hands with the ELN's Pablo Beltran in Caracas./Presidencia

Colombia’s peace talks with ELN on brink of collapse as tensions escalate

By The City Paper Staff - August 20, 2024

Colombia’s peace talks with the ELN guerrilla are on the verge of collapse as tensions escalate over unfulfilled agreements and rising accusations of ‘genocide’ from the illegal armed group.

Colombia’s Ecopetrol profits dive during first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - August 14, 2024

Ecopetrol’s profits fell by 24% in the first half of 2024 due to lower oil prices and unfavorable exchange rates, marking the third consecutive quarter of declining earnings. The company is exploring strategic options amid domestic and global challenges, including potential natural gas imports from Venezuela.

Blinken welcomes Colombia’s role in facilitating dialogue with Venezuela’s Maduro

By Richard Emblin - August 13, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praises Colombia’s efforts to mediate Venezuela’s political crisis, urging a unified regional response to pressure President Nicolás Maduro to accept his July 28 defeat at the polls.

Is Petro brokering a “Good Faith” deal to secure Venezuela’s transition to democracy?

By The City Paper Staff - August 12, 2024

Colombia is set to propose a ‘good faith’ agreement aimed at easing negotiations between Nicolás Maduro and the winner of the July 28 elections – Edmundo González. The deal would involve the release of political prisoners and partial lifting of sanctions in exchange for concrete actions from the regime.

Ex-UNGRD chief claims Petro Government asked to funnel contracts to ELN

By The City Paper Staff - July 17, 2024

Former UNGRD chief Olmedo López claims Colombian officials pressured him to award contracts to the ELN guerrilla group to maintain peace talks, sparking a major corruption scandal. The Supreme Court has opened an investigation into the allegations, which implicate high-ranking members of the Petro government.

Colombia’s JEP calls for investigation into alleged illegal surveillance of Magistrates

By The City Paper Staff - June 25, 2024

Colombia’s JEP urges Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo to probe alleged illegal surveillance of magistrates by the National Intelligence Directorate as phone-tapping scandal widens.

Colombia’s Petro honors Carlos Pizarro’s Hat as cultural heritage

By The City Paper Staff - June 18, 2024

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro designates Carlos Pizarro’s iconic beige straw hat as Cultural Heritage in a solemn ceremony at Bogotá’s Casa de Nariño.

Colombian Peso weakens against U.S Dollar with fiscal uncertainty

By The City Paper Staff - June 14, 2024

The Colombian peso depreciates sharply against the dollar, hitting a high of $4,150 amid market uncertainty and upcoming fiscal policy announcements by the Petro government.

Petro’s halt to Israel coal exports will hurt Colombia investments

By The City Paper Staff - June 11, 2024

Colombia’s suspension of coal exports to Israel with the Gaza conflict sparks industry concern and could strain U.S investor confidence in the South American nation.

Colombian schoolchildren’s desperate prayers amid FARC attacks in Cauca

By Richard Emblin - May 29, 2024

Terrified children in Suárez, Cauca, cower under desks as FARC dissidents clash with the Colombian Army, revealing the harsh realities of ongoing violence in the southwest of the country. The plight of Cauca has been overshadowed by President Petro’s obsessive social media posts on Gaza.