Latest News

Rubio expected to lead U.S. delegation to presidential inauguration in Cali

By The City Paper Staff - July 30, 2026

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend the inauguration of Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo De La Espriella on August 7, a ceremony that will make history as the country’s first presidential transfer of power to be held outside Bogotá. The inauguration will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Arena USC on the […]

Petro Uses Independence Day Address to Challenge Election Results

By Richard Emblin - July 21, 2026

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro used his final Independence Day address to Congress on Monday to question the legitimacy of Colombia’s presidential election, accuse the United States of imposing the country’s next leader and urge supporters to prepare mass protests if the incoming government reverses his reforms. The speech, delivered less than three weeks before […]

New U.S.-Colombia chapter takes shape as Rubio meets Colombia’s vice president-elect

By The City Paper Staff - July 16, 2026

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Colombia’s Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo on Wednesday, signaling what both sides described as the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations as President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella prepares to take office on Aug. 7. The closed-door meeting at the State Department brought together senior members of […]

The ‘Era of the Tiger’ Begins: De La Espriella Responds to Trump’s Endorsement

By Richard Emblin - June 3, 2026

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump threw his support behind Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo “El Tigre” de la Espriella, describing him as a “Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader” and offering what he called his “Complete and Total Endorsement” ahead of Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff. Trump praised De la Espriella’s […]

U.S. Senate Warns of Hezbollah Expansion in Colombia and Venezuela

By The City Paper Staff - October 23, 2025

Hezbollah’s growing foothold in Latin America has found its epicenter in Venezuela and along the porous 2,000-km long Colombia-Venezuela border, where U.S. lawmakers and former counterterrorism officials warn the militant group has built financial and logistical networks with the support of the Maduro regime and illegal armed groups. “Venezuela is a willing safe haven for […]

Uribe Files Criminal Complaint Against Petro for Harassment and Defamation

By Richard Emblin - August 1, 2025

Former President Álvaro Uribe has filed a criminal complaint against President Gustavo Petro for harassment and defamation. The complaint cites Petro’s social media posts linking Uribe to paramilitarism and corruption, accusing the president of undermining due process and using official channels to attack a political rival during active legal proceedings.

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.