Latest News

Does Colombia’s “Binational Zone” with Venezuela Legitimize an Illegitimate Regime?

By Richard Emblin - July 24, 2025

Colombia and Venezuela have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a “binational zone of peace, unity, and development” along their shared border. Former President Álvaro Uribe called the initiative “unacceptable” and described it as a step toward surrendering Colombian sovereignty

Petro wants to revive Bolívar’s dream of a 21st-Century Gran Colombia

By Richard Emblin - May 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro renewed calls to rebuild Gran Colombia as a 21st-century regional alliance. Speaking in Ecuador, he proposed integration with Venezuela and Panama, advocating for shared citizenship, digital infrastructure, and energy cooperation, while warning of rising authoritarianism and foreign interference in Latin America.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to visit Colombia amid tensions over mass deportations

By The City Paper Staff - March 26, 2025

In the first high-level visit by a member of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will meet with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia on Thursday in Bogotá.

Colombia’s gas agenda at risk with US tariffs on Venezuelan energy imports

By Richard Emblin - March 25, 2025

The U.S. objective to impose secondary tariffs on all countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas has stalled President Petro’s plans for greater energy integration. Petro has urged Ecopetrol to explore Qatari gas imports amid rising domestic shortages and potential trade tensions with Washington.

Colombia’s top Grammy Artists banned from entering Maduro’s Venezuela

By The City Paper Staff - March 5, 2025

The Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro has banned prominent Colombian Grammy-winning artists, including Juanes, Carlos Vives, Maluma, and Silvestre Dangond, from entering the country. The ba announced by Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of the Interior, accuses the artists of supporting the opposition and inciting political instability.

Is Maduro establishing a stronghold in Colombia’s Catatumbo using ELN as a proxy?

By Richard Emblin - January 22, 2025

The humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo deepens as violence between the ELN and FARC dissidents forces 32,000 to flee. Critics of the dictatorship believe Maduro’s regime is leveraging the ELN to establish dominance over Colombia’s border region, exploiting its strategic drug-trafficking routes. With Venezuelan troops stationed nearby and accusations of direct support for armed groups, concerns grow over Maduro’s ambitions to extend his influence into Colombian territory.

As Trump inauguration looms, Venezuela’s political crisis tests Petro Government

By Richard Emblin - January 14, 2025

Colombia faces escalating tensions with Venezuela as former President Álvaro Uribe advocates U.N-backed military intervention. As President-elect Trump’s inauguration looms, questions about U.S. policy toward the crisis and regional diplomatic strategies under his leadership remain unclear.

Venezuela at “Historic Moment”; Colombia tightens security along border

By Richard Emblin - January 9, 2025

Colombia’s Ambassador will attend Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration amid criticism. Security tightens along the border as protests erupt worldwide against Maduro’s regime. Venezuela issues arrest orders for nine former Latin American presidents, including Andrés Pastrana.

Maduro activates Venezuela’s “full security force” as tensions escalate in Caracas

By Richard Emblin - January 8, 2025

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has activated the state’s security forces ahead of his January 10 inauguration. Opposition leader Edmundo González and nine ex-presidents are expected in Caracas for large-scale anti-regime protests on Thursday.

Colombia silent over Maduro’s sham January 10 inauguration

By Richard Emblin - January 6, 2025

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro faces global condemnation ahead of a sham January 10 inauguration, defying Edmundo González’s electoral win. Colombia’s silence risks endorsing authoritarianism as tensions escalate with protests and international pressure.

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.

Colombian Army confirms ELN behind oil pipeline attack in Arauca

By Richard Emblin - August 27, 2024

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’s Ecopetrol profits dive during first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - August 14, 2024

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.