Autonomous organ of the Organization of American States safeguarding human rights in the Americas
Dissidents from the Bolivarian Army have surrendered their weapons in Putumayo, Colombia, as President Petro pursues a “total peace” strategy. About 99 rebels have handed over arms and will enter a temporary relocation zone under government supervision, signaling progress in negotiations amid a presidential runoff.”
Colombia has elected far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella in a razor-thin runoff that has polarised politics. Outgoing president Gustavo Petro has accused external interference and data-driven tactics while the new president promises tough security, energy expansion and tax cuts. Congress remains dominated by Petro’s allies, setting up institutional clashes.
Mexico has escalated its response to the killings of Mexican nationals in U.S. ICE custody. Foreign Minister Velasco Álvarez has announced plans to file criminal complaints with U.S. prosecutors and pursue civil lawsuits against detention-center operators, arguing for accountability and criminal investigations into the deaths. The move follows the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston and a rising death toll in ICE custody in 2026. President Sheinbaum has said Mexico will move beyond diplomatic notes to seek accountability.
Federal prosecutors have arrested Ángel Aguirre, Guerrero’s former governor, accusing him of concealing evidence to locate Ayotzinapa students. Investigators say he ordered the destruction of security-camera footage from the 2014 night of the Iguala attack, intensifying scrutiny of high-level state involvement in the case that has haunted Mexico for over a decade.