Latest News

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.

Bogotá’s Teatro Mayor celebrates a decade of youth programming

By The City Paper Staff - September 24, 2024

The Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo is celebrating the tenth anniversary of Cien Mil Niños al Mayor, a groundbreaking social responsibility program that has brought the magic of performing arts to over 306,000 children and young people from across Bogotá.

Colombia’s Petro faces backlash over Holocaust statement, attacks against media

By Richard Emblin - September 23, 2024

n a provocative Sunday broadcast, Colombian President Gustavo Petro intensified his attacks on the media, accusing it of orchestrating a conspiracy against him, while facing significant backlash for comparing Israel’s actions in Gaza to Nazi atrocities, stirring outrage from both domestic critics and international allies.

Strict water rationing for Bogotá as drought persists across central Colombia

By Richard Emblin - September 21, 2024

gotá is returning to its nine-day water rationing scheme as the Chingaza reservoir system remains precariously low. Mayor Galán warned that if the drought persists across central Colombia, Bogotá could face “Day Zero”.

ARTBO 2024: Two decades at the epicenter of art in Bogotá

By Richard Emblin - September 19, 2024

ARTBO, Bogotá’s prestigious international art fair, celebrates its 20th anniversary from September 26 to 29 at the Ágora Convention Center. Featuring 15 international galleries and a leading cast of national galleries, the event highlights Latin American art’s growing global influence.

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.

Bogotá leads Colombia’s Startup funding with 97% of capital raised by mid-2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 17, 2024

Bogotá has solidified its position as the leading hub for startup investment in Colombia, capturing the largest portion of direct foreign capital by mid-2024, according to the latest report from Invest in Bogotá.

Colombian Court halts Uchuva-2 gas well raising concerns over energy security

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2024

A Colombian court has ordered the suspension of operations at the Uchuva-2 offshore natural gas well in the Caribbean. The Uchuva-2, part of the Tayrona block, is critical for Colombia’s energy security.

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.

Colombian neurologist Francisco Lopera, pioneer in Alzheimer’s research dies at 73

By Richard Emblin - September 12, 2024

Renowned Colombian neurologist Dr. Francisco Lopera Restrepo, a pioneer in early-onset Alzheimer’s research, passed away on September 10, 2024, in Medellín. His groundbreaking work on the mutación paisa advanced global understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and led to significant clinical trials aimed at preventing the devastating condition.

Government sets limits for water usage in Bogotá as reservoir levels decline

By The City Paper Staff - September 11, 2024

Bogotá is implementing stricter water consumption limits as reservoir levels drop to 47%. New regulations lower the threshold for surcharges on residential and commercial users. The city urges conservation, warning of penalties and extended rationing if consumption patterns don’t improve.

Colombia remains deadliest country for environmental defenders, reveals Global Witness

By The City Paper Staff - September 10, 2024

Colombia was named the deadliest country for environmental defenders with 79 killed in 2023 according to a report by the UK conservation watchdog Global Witness.

Colombia’s Ministry of Culture faces backlash over 500th anniversary of Santa Marta’s founding

By Richard Emblin - September 6, 2024

Colombia’s Ministry of Culture faces a backlash after downplaying Santa Marta’s 500th anniversary. Local leaders, including the mayor and the Academy of History of Magdalena, criticized Minister Juan David Correa for dismissing the event’s national significance.

Petro orders closure of Andrés Carne de Res after tragic accident

By The City Paper Staff - September 5, 2024

The Colombian government of President Petro has temporarily closed Andrés Carne de Res, a famed restaurant near Bogotá, after a fire accident severely injured 28-year-old performer Laura Villamil. Labor Minister Gloria Ramírez cited safety violations and worker protections.

Gulf Clan ready to “take control” of Quibdó in Colombia’s Chocó

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

In a dire announcement from Colombia’s High Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño, the Gulf Clan is ready to “take control” of the departmental capital of Chocó, Quibdó.