Latest News

ELN and FARC dissidents fight for control of Colombia’s Catatumbo

By The City Paper Staff - January 18, 2025

Clashes between Colombia’s ELN guerrilla and FARC dissidents in the mountainous Catatumbo region have killed 30, injured 20, and displaced 100 families. President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks, citing war crimes, as violence disrupts vulnerable communities, commerce, and education.

Trump snubs Colombia’s Petro for presidential inauguration

By The City Paper Staff - January 16, 2025

Trump’s inauguration is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to Washington, D.C., with international delegations, ministers, and diplomats eager to forge ties with the new administration. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro not on the guest list.

Wildfire erupts in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park, arson suspected

By The City Paper Staff - January 15, 2025

A wildfire in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park is threatening a high-altitude wetland that supplies Bogotá with water amid ongoing rationing. Suspected arson, hot weather, and strong winds complicate containment efforts by emergency crews, the military and local authorities.

Chingaza water levels could drastically decline by March, reveals study

By The City Paper Staff - January 14, 2025

Bogotá’s Chingaza reservoirs could drop to 20% capacity by March, warns the Ombudsman’s Office. With the dry season intensifying, water rationing may tighten despite Aqueduct Company assurances that current levels are normal for this time of year.

As Trump inauguration looms, Venezuela’s political crisis tests Petro Government

By Richard Emblin - January 14, 2025

Colombia faces escalating tensions with Venezuela as former President Álvaro Uribe advocates U.N-backed military intervention. As President-elect Trump’s inauguration looms, questions about U.S. policy toward the crisis and regional diplomatic strategies under his leadership remain unclear.

Venezuela at “Historic Moment”; Colombia tightens security along border

By Richard Emblin - January 9, 2025

Colombia’s Ambassador will attend Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration amid criticism. Security tightens along the border as protests erupt worldwide against Maduro’s regime. Venezuela issues arrest orders for nine former Latin American presidents, including Andrés Pastrana.

Maduro activates Venezuela’s “full security force” as tensions escalate in Caracas

By Richard Emblin - January 8, 2025

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has activated the state’s security forces ahead of his January 10 inauguration. Opposition leader Edmundo González and nine ex-presidents are expected in Caracas for large-scale anti-regime protests on Thursday.

Medellín’s Comuna 13 rejects Pablo Escobar memorabilia

By Richard Emblin - January 7, 2025

Medellín’s Comuna 13 attracts nearly 900,000 visitors annually, blending vibrant art with community-focused tourism. The merchandise and tours glorifying Pablo Escobar have overshadowed the identity of a city rooted in culture and innovation.

Colombia silent over Maduro’s sham January 10 inauguration

By Richard Emblin - January 6, 2025

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro faces global condemnation ahead of a sham January 10 inauguration, defying Edmundo González’s electoral win. Colombia’s silence risks endorsing authoritarianism as tensions escalate with protests and international pressure.

Human remains discovered at Medellín’s La Escombrera, believed to be Colombia’s largest mass grave

By The City Paper Staff - December 19, 2024

Colombia’s JEP and missing persons entity UBPD have uncovered human remains at La Escombrera, Medellín’s largest municipal dump, and remains linked to over 500 forced disappearances during the internal conflict.

Casa de Moneda’s new exhibition hall redefines Colombia’s Changing Image

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2024

The Museo Casa de Moneda in Bogotá, owned by Colombia’s Banco de la República, has opened a new exhibition titled 21st Century: A Country Changing Its Image. This marks the completion of a two-year renovation and explores Colombia’s evolving identity through nearly 300 artifacts, including coins and banknotes.

Idartes’ María Claudia Parias on Bogotá’s cultural platforms and vision for 2025

By Richard Emblin - December 13, 2024

María Claudia Parias of Bogotá’s Idartes is at the heart of transformative initiatives. From the Biennale of Art for Childhood to innovative public spaces for dance and music, the Colombian capital is not only a hub of creativity but a city that understands the importance of art as a tool for social cohesion and individual well-being.

Muisca Raft returns to new exhibition room at Bogotá’s Museo del Oro

By Richard Emblin - December 13, 2024

Bogotá’s Gold Museum unveils a revamped exhibit showcasing the iconic Muisca Raft and its ceremonial artifacts, discovered in Pasca, Cundinamarca. This intricate gold votive offering, tied to El Dorado mythology, highlights Muisca craftsmanship and spirituality. The exhibition opens December 19, featuring interactive displays and detailed cultural narratives.

UK citizen Christopher Neil arrested in Medellín with ties to Gulf Clan

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2024

UK citizen Christopher Neil was wanted on an INTERPOL red notice and is accused of orchestrating major cocaine shipments to the United Kingdom and engaging in extensive money laundering operations.

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.

UN stands by claim of 20,000 dead at Bogotá Airport, cites “Credible Sources”

By Richard Emblin - December 10, 2024

The UN’s claim of 20,000 unidentified bodies at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport has sparked controversy, with Colombian officials rejecting the assertion as unverified. Despite the criticism, the UN defends its findings, citing credible sources.