Latest News

Cocaine Production Hits Record High, Colombia’s Coca Crop at 253,000 Hectares

By The City Paper Staff - June 26, 2025

Global cocaine production hit a record 3,708 tons in 2023, driven by a surge in coca cultivation in Colombia, the UN reported. Cocaine use, seizures, and drug-related environmental crimes are rising worldwide, with Indigenous communities in the Amazon disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and illegal gold mining

Petro Faces Criminal Case Over “Hostile” Social Media Against Miguel Uribe

By The City Paper Staff - June 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces a formal criminal complaint over 43 statements allegedly inciting hostility against Senator Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after a June 7 assassination attempt. The case can only deepen tensions amid a politically volatile pre-election campaign.

At the Crossroads of Global Trade, Singapore Redefines the Power of the Port

By Richard Emblin - June 24, 2025

PSA Singapore, the world’s largest container transshipment hub, handled a record 40.9 million TEUs in 2024. From its colonial origins in 1819, Singapore has become a global logistics powerhouse, with Tuas Port leading in automation, sustainability, and connectivity to over 600 ports worldwide.

Colombian Mayors Demand More Protection After Petro invites Crime Bosses to Medellín Rally

By The City Paper Staff - June 23, 2025

President Gustavo Petro sparked national outrage after sharing a stage with jailed crim bosses during a rally in Medellín, just weeks after an assassination attempt on opposition candidate Miguel Uribe. Mayors across Colombia are demanding protection amid rising threats ahead of a potentially dangerous election season.

Petro’s Disapproval Rises to 64% as Colombians Abandon Leftist Agenda

By The City Paper Staff - June 17, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s disapproval rating has risen to 64%, according to a new Invamer poll, as political tensions mount following an assassination attempt on opposition candidate Miguel Uribe. Public confidence in Petro’s reforms, peace agenda, and governance continues to erode ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

Colombia on Edge as Miguel Uribe Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery

By Richard Emblin - June 16, 2025

More than 70,000 Colombians marched in Bogotá on Sunday, June 15, as part of the “March of Silence” – a historic demonstration that also drew major turnouts in Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and at least 20 other cities. The March was summoned in solidarity with Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Colombia’s March of Silence: Nation walks in solidarity with Miguel Uribe

By Richard Emblin - June 15, 2025

Colombians will march in silence this Sunday, across 20 cities to condemn political violence and support wounded senator Miguel Uribe, shot during a Bogotá rally. The civic demonstration could mark Colombia’s largest mobilization since the 2008 “No Más FARC” protests.

Petro Delivers Defiant Speech from Cali in Defense of His August 7 Referendum

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended a binding referendum to bypass Congress and push labor reforms, sparking controversy over democratic norms. Critics accuse him of undermining institutions and consolidating an autocratic government by executive decree.

Bombings in Colombia’s southwest kill Eight, leave 75 injured

By The City Paper Staff - June 11, 2025

Tuesday’s attacks across southwest Colombia by FARC dissidents in have killed eight persons and injured 75. Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure amid rising violence and a constitutional crisis over his proposed referendum rejected in May by Congress.

With Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition, FARC Dissidents Attack Southwest Colombia

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2025

FARC dissidents have launched coordinated attacks across southwest Colombia, killing at least four and injuring dozens in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Cali. Explosions targeted police stations and infrastructure, while a sniper killed an officer. The violence follows the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition.

“Miguel Uribe was completely alone,” says lawyer Víctor Mosquera, after security omissions

By Richard Emblin - June 9, 2025

Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe remains in critical condition after being shot in Bogotá. Authorities say a 15-year-old suspect used a U.S.-sourced Glock pistol. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a major investigation amid criticism of government inaction and security failures for opposition leaders ahead of 2026 elections.

Global Condemnation Follows Assassination Attempt on Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe

By Richard Emblin - June 8, 2025

World leaders condemned the assassination attempt on Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, now in “gravely critical” condition. The U.S., Italy, Chile, and others called it an attack on democracy, urging justice and blaming rising political violence in Colombia.

Miguel Uribe Turbay in Critical Condition After Assassination Attempt in Bogotá

By Richard Emblin - June 8, 2025

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot in the head during a campaign event in Bogotá. A 15-year-old suspect is in custody. Authorities are investigating the motive as the country reels from the brazen attack on a presidential hopeful.

Avianca Expands Fleet in Strategic Deal with Singapore’s BOC Aviation

By Richard Emblin - June 6, 2025

Colombia’s flagship Avianca airlines has signed a lease agreement with Singapore-based BOC for nine Airbus A320neo aircraft, reinforcing its fleet expansion plans. The deal highlights Singapore’s growing aviation influence and global reference as a logitics hub for emerging markets.

Petro Accused of Democratic Rupture as He Vows to Bypass Colombia’s Congress

By Richard Emblin - June 4, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro shas parked outrage after vowing to bypass Congress and impose a referendum by decree, defying the Senate’s rejection. Critics call it a constitutional rupture and authoritarian overreach, accusing Petro of dismantling democratic checks to force through his agenda amid collapsing support and growing condemnation from civic society.

Artist of Earth and Time: Colombian artist Hugo Zapata dies at 80

By Richard Emblin - June 3, 2025

Hugo Zapata (1945–2025), renowned Colombian sculptor, passed away at 80 in El Retiro. Known for monumental black stone works evoking earth and ancestral memory, Zapata transformed Colombia’s public art landscape. His elemental forms bridged nature and spirit, leaving behind a legacy carved in stone and rooted in timeless reflection.