Latest News

Petro’s ‘Coup’ Allegations Deepen Colombia–U.S. Rift, Resolution Still Elusive

By The City Paper Staff - July 6, 2025

Colombia–U.S. relations have reached their lowest point in years after President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. lawmakers of plotting a coup. Washington recalled its top diplomat over “reprehensible” remarks, prompting Bogotá to withdraw its ambassador. Tensions mount as visa sanctions loom and key bilateral cooperation on security and narcotics hangs in balance.

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.

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’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.

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.

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.

Colombia braces for 48-hour National Strike as Petro calls for popular revolt

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has backed a two-day national strike on May 28–29, urging mass mobilizations after Congress blocked his popular consultation. Labor unions will lead protests amid growing political tensions and institutional deadlock.

South is the new East: Stories shaping China – Latin America relations

By Cui Xingyu - May 14, 2025

China and Latin America are strengthening ties through infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange. From port construction in Peru to traditional medicine in Argentina, personal stories highlight how deepening cooperation is building bridges across continents.

Colombia’s Petro pivots to Beijing with intent to join Belt and Road

By The City Paper Staff - May 8, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans to sign a letter of intent to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative during a May visit to Beijing, signaling a major geopolitical shift that could strain ties with the U.S. and alarm business leaders as trade tariffs loom.

Petro claims ‘Dubai is the new Miami for narcos’ amid Gulf Clan attacks

By The City Paper Staff - May 6, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended his security policy amid a surge in violence that has left 27 officers dead. Downplaying fears of collapse, Petro blamed international drug networks and claimed “Dubai is the new Miami for narcos.” Critics warn his “total peace” strategy is faltering as attacks against the police escalate.

Colombia’s Indigenous Minga descend on Bogotá for May Day Protests

By The City Paper Staff - April 30, 2025

More than 16,000 Indigenous protesters have arrived in Bogotá ahead of May Day marches supporting President Petro’s reform agenda. Their occupation of the National University sparked tensions after confrontations with students and reports of machete-armed individuals. Authorities are coordinating security as mass demonstrations are expected across the capital on Thursday.