Latest News

Petro wants to revive Bolívar’s dream of a 21st-Century Gran Colombia

By Richard Emblin - May 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro renewed calls to rebuild Gran Colombia as a 21st-century regional alliance. Speaking in Ecuador, he proposed integration with Venezuela and Panama, advocating for shared citizenship, digital infrastructure, and energy cooperation, while warning of rising authoritarianism and foreign interference in Latin America.

Petro halts extradition of Dissident Commander “HH” wanted in U.S. for drug trafficking

By The City Paper Staff - May 23, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended the U.S. extradition of dissident commander Gabriel Yepes Mejía, sparking tensions with Washington. The move, tied to peace talks, risks sanctions as Colombia deepens ties with China and distances itself from traditional U.S. alliances.

Colombia braces for 48-hour National Strike as Petro calls for popular revolt

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has backed a two-day national strike on May 28–29, urging mass mobilizations after Congress blocked his popular consultation. Labor unions will lead protests amid growing political tensions and institutional deadlock.

Violin Contest of Bogotá spotlights Colombian composition with Jury of virtuosos

By Richard Emblin - May 13, 2025

Bogotá launches its first International Violin Competition, offering generous prizes and star-studded global jury. Twenty finalists will compete this November, with free masterclasses and donated violins benefiting young Colombian talents. Deadline for entries: May 31.

Canada’s Cordoba Minerals sells Colombia stake in Alacrán to Chinese Consortium

By The City Paper Staff - May 12, 2025

Canada’s Cordoba Minerals has sold its remaining 50% stake in Colombia’s Alacrán copper project to China’s JCHX-led consortium, marking its exit from the country after a decade of operations.

Since FARC Accord, some 1,494 minors recruited by Colombia’s armed groups

By The City Paper Staff - May 9, 2025

Illegal armed groups operating in Colombia are increasingly turning to social media platforms to forcibly recruit children and adolescents into their ranks, according to a harrowing new report by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP).At least 1,494 children and adolescents have been forcibly recruited since the 2016 peace accord.

Heavy rainfall in Antioquia triggers emergencies and Red Alerts across department

By The City Paper Staff - May 7, 2025

Heavy rains across Colombia’s Antioquia department have triggered over 1,000 emergencies, with 87 municipalities under red or orange alert. Medellín and surrounding areas face flooding, landslides, and hospital overcrowding, as La Niña conditions continue to worsen throughout May.

Petro claims ‘Dubai is the new Miami for narcos’ amid Gulf Clan attacks

By The City Paper Staff - May 6, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended his security policy amid a surge in violence that has left 27 officers dead. Downplaying fears of collapse, Petro blamed international drug networks and claimed “Dubai is the new Miami for narcos.” Critics warn his “total peace” strategy is faltering as attacks against the police escalate.

Petro to announce security measures as Gulf Clan escalates violence across Colombia

By The City Paper Staff - May 5, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro will announce new security measures after 27 soldiers and police were killed by the Gulf Clan. The attacks mark a sharp escalation in violence as the drugs trafficking cartel targets soldiers and police officers with “pistol plan”.

Colombia’s Indigenous Minga descend on Bogotá for May Day Protests

By The City Paper Staff - April 30, 2025

More than 16,000 Indigenous protesters have arrived in Bogotá ahead of May Day marches supporting President Petro’s reform agenda. Their occupation of the National University sparked tensions after confrontations with students and reports of machete-armed individuals. Authorities are coordinating security as mass demonstrations are expected across the capital on Thursday.

Colombian family among victims in deadly Vancouver Festival attack

By The City Paper Staff - April 30, 2025

A Colombian family was among 11 people killed when a vehicle drove into crowds at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival. Vigils are being held citywide. The suspect, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, faces multiple murder charges. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended one of the memorials.

Canada’s Mark Carney leads Liberals to fourth term in historic vote

By The Conversation - April 29, 2025

Mark Carney secured a fourth term for Canada’s Liberal Party after winning a historic election on April 28. The election has polarized Canada’s political landscape after months of threats from U.S President Donald Trump to declare Canada as a 51st States.

IMF Suspends Colombia’s $9.8bn Credit Line over fiscal concerns

By The City Paper Staff - April 28, 2025

The IMF has suspended Colombia’s $9.8bn credit line, citing rising public debt and fiscal risk. President Petro responded with a personal attack on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, sparking political backlash. Analysts warn the move could hurt investor confidence and raise borrowing costs amid global financial uncertainty.

Germany and Colombia sign Migration Partnership aimed at curbing asylum claims

By The City Paper Staff - April 24, 2025

Germany and Colombia have signed a joint declaration to expand legal migration and curb irregular flows. The agreement aims to reduce asylum claims and promote labour, education, and training opportunities for Colombians, amid Germany’s push to fill skilled worker shortages.

Ex-Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva claims Petro has a drug problem

By The City Paper Staff - April 23, 2025

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.

Bogotá’s ARTBO Weekend returns with expansive city circuits and focus on Contemporary Art

By Richard Emblin - April 23, 2025

ARTBO Weekend returns to Bogotá from April 25–27 with 86 exhibition spaces, six city circuits, and over 150 free events, transforming the capital into a hub of contemporary art, design, and editorial innovation