Latest News

White House Wants Petro to Retract Claims Of “Colombian Deaths” in Narco Strike

By Richard Emblin - October 9, 2025

The White House said it would “welcome” a public retraction from Colombian President Gustavo Petro after he accused the U.S. military of killing Colombian citizens during a recent naval strike in the Caribbean, calling his remarks “baseless and reprehensible.” The clash underscores a widening diplomatic rift that now extends to international waters, deepening already strained […]

Bogotá braces for pro-Palestine marches October 7, U.S Embassy closes

By Richard Emblin - October 7, 2025

The 21st century has witnessed many days of infamy, but among the most horrific was October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a coordinated assault on southern Israel. More than 1,200 people were killed, including 38 children, and 251 civilians were kidnapped – among them young men and women attending the Nova music festival. Families were […]

Ancient Colombians “Unmasked” with Digital Reawakening

By Richard Emblin - October 6, 2025

For centuries, the funerary masks of Colombia’s Eastern Andes have guarded their secrets. Crafted from resin, clay, wax, maize, and adorned with delicate beads, these masks were fitted so precisely to the faces of the dead that the mummified bodies appeared almost alive. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, the Muisca — an Indigenous civilization […]

Petro expels Israeli diplomats as Bogotá faces Gaza-linked vandalism

By Richard Emblin - October 2, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomats after two Colombians were detained on a Gaza-bound flotilla. The Gaza crisis is fueling protests and vandalism in Bogotá, and critics warn Petro may be fueling unrest to cement his base ahead of the 2026 election.

Medellín’s Gutiérrez clamps down on transnational mafias, bolsters U.S. ties

By The City Paper Staff - October 1, 2025

Medellín mayor Federico “Fico” Gutiérrez launched a crackdown on transnational mafias operating in Parque Lleras, vowing the city “will not be a refuge” for crime. He also met U.S. envoy John McNamara, strengthening security and trade ties as Colombia’s national government faces strained relations with Washington.

Senior cabinet members have been barred from U.S. after Petro’s defiant rally near Times Square, New York. Photo: X/MinCultura.

Mass visa revocations strip Petro’s cabinet of access to U.S

By Richard Emblin - September 30, 2025

Colombia’s confrontation with Washington escalated after the United States revoked President Gustavo Petro’s visa over incendiary remarks in New York, prompting key ministers to declare they would forfeit their own visas and leaving much of the government without the possibility of entering the United States.

Petro: Colombia’s President Without a Visa, Without Restraint

By Richard Emblin - September 28, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro had his U.S. visa revoked after urging American soldiers to defy President Trump. The move drew swift condemnation, deepening fears that Petro’s incendiary rhetoric is isolating Colombia diplomatically while fueling domestic political turmoil.

Birthrates in Colombia plunge over 30% in a decade

By The City Paper Staff - September 26, 2025

Colombia’s birthrate has plunged 31% in a decade, with just 453,901 babies born in 2024, according to the country’s statistics agency DANE. Rising living costs, lifestyle shifts and economic insecurity are driving the decline, echoing global trends.

Petro Implodes U.S-Colombia Relations With Final UN Speech

By Richard Emblin - September 24, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro detonated relations with Washington in a blistering UN speech, accusing Donald Trump of genocide, calling for his prosecution, and likening the U.S. to Nazi Germany. The U.S. delegation exited the chamber as Petro urged the world to form an armed coalition to liberate Gaza.

Bogotá’s ARTBO 2025 Weaves a Citywide Celebration of Culture

By Richard Emblin - September 23, 2025

Bogotá readies for ARTBO 2025, the city’s premier international art fair, running 25–28 September at Ágora Bogotá. Featuring 49 galleries, more than 170 artists, and a tribute to Beatriz González, the fair blends global names with emerging voices, curatorial projects, publishing, and guided tours for all audiences.

Maduro Seeks Dialogue with U.S, Petro Sidelined at UN

By Richard Emblin - September 22, 2025

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro is in New York ahead of the United Nation’s General Assembly. Petro trip to the U.S comes as Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro seeks to engage the Trump administration in dialogue, despite the military arsenal targeting drug boats in the Caribbean.

Bogotá Set to Host First Art Biennale with BOG25

By Richard Emblin - September 19, 2025

Bogotá launches its first International Art and City Biennale, BOG25, on September 20. The 51-day free event features over 200 artists from 12 countries, installations across 25 venues, and Mexico City as guest of honour, spotlighting art, urbanism and central theme of “happiness”.

Petro lashes out at Trump after U.S. decertifies Colombia on drug fight

By Richard Emblin - September 18, 2025

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump after Washington decertified Colombia’s anti-drug efforts, calling the move an “injustice.” Petro defended record cocaine seizures, vowed not to extradite three traffickers engaged in peace talks, and accused the U.S. of a failed, decades-long drug policy.

Colombia’s JEP Sentences Ex-FARC for Mass Kidnappings

By Richard Emblin - September 16, 2025

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal issued its first sanctions against seven former FARC commanders, holding them responsible for kidnapping over 21,000 people. Classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, the commanders received eight-year restorative sanctions under the 2016 peace accord.

U.S. Decertifies Colombia’s Anti-Drug Efforts, Petro on the Defensive

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2025

The United States has decertified Colombia’s anti-drug efforts for the first time since 1994, citing record coca crops under President Gustavo Petro. While Washington issued a waiver to maintain aid, the move risks straining a key alliance and jeopardizing $453 million in U.S. assistance.

Bogotá braces for protests and mobility havoc on Tuesday

By The City Paper Staff - September 15, 2025

Bogotá drivers from multiple sectors plan a mass protest on September 17 against Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, citing 18 grievances including corruption, insecurity, and abusive mobility policies. The demonstration threatens major traffic disruptions in Colombia’s capital.