Colombia’s foreign direct investment fell by 28% to USD 6.7 billion in the first half of 2024. The decline reflects growing economic and security challenges, including recent attacks on energy infrastructure. The data was released by the Central Bank.
A nationwide transport strike in Colombia has paralyzed key routes and stranded travelers, following the government’s sudden diesel price hike. Major disruptions hit Bogotá and four departments, with blockades and protests escalating. Transport Minister María Constanza García called for emergency talks amid rising concerns over food distribution and mobility.
A fake Colombian national basketball team, orchestrated by a student, played in a Russian tournament, suffering a 102-point loss. Russian Basketball Federation President Andrei Kirilenko is under scrutiny. The Colombian Basketball Federation vows legal action for misuse of its name and logo in the international embarrassment.
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may tighten water rationing as reservoir levels drop below 50%. The anticipated rainfall in August failed to materialize, despite forecasts from the national meteorological agency, Ideam, predicting La Niña would boost water levels.
Bogotá’s Gold Museum will temporarily close its iconic “Offering Room,” home to the Muisca Raft, for renovations starting October 7, 2024, with a planned reopening in mid-December, promising an enhanced visitor experience.
The Colombian Army confirmed that the ELN guerrilla perpetrated a major attack against the Caño Limon-Coveñas oil pipeline in Arauca, raising fears of escalating violence in the department and large urban centers, including Bogotá.
Colombia faces widespread flight cancellations as a jet fuel shortage, triggered by a refinery failure, impacts major airports across the country. Ecopetrol announced addtional A1 supplies will be delivered to aiports nationwide.
Bogotá is set to host the Colombia al Parque festival (August 24 and 25) at Parque de los Novios, showcasing Colombia’s diverse musical heritage. The free event features six national acts, three international artists, and eight local performers, celebrating rhythms from the Pacific and Magdalena River regions. The festival, themed “When the River Sounds,” highlights the cultural significance of Colombia’s waterways.
The Colombian Navy and local fishermen heroically rescued a trapped humpback whale off the Pacific coast after a three-hour battle with a fishing net.
An explosive device has killed one person and injured another during indigenous protests blocking the Colombia’s Pan-American Highway in the department of Cauca, escalating tensions with the Petro government.
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.
Harry and Meghan are set for their four-day tour of Colombia to promote social justice, cultural heritage, and child welfare, following an invitation from Vice-President Francia Márquez.
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.
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.
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.
The Oropouche virus (OROV) has been detected in Colombia for the first time, prompting concern among health authorities. As of July 30, 2024, a total of 8,078 cases have been reported across five countries in the Americas, including Colombia, Brazil, and Cuba.