Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro in the news amid violence in the Amazon and ongoing talks with armed groups. Born 1960, ex-guerrilla, economist.
Colombia's legislative elections and presidential primaries are taking place amid security concerns and political fragmentation. Meanwhile, Mexico's Congress faces a vote on proposed reforms, with recent defections highlighting tensions within Morena. Both countries' votes will shape their political futures and coalition-building efforts.
Colombia and Venezuela postponed a high-level meeting amid tensions, citing 'force majeure.' The leaders discussed border security, energy cooperation, and trade, with recent US support for Venezuela's government amid complex regional relations. The meeting's delay highlights ongoing diplomatic uncertainties.
Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico jointly arrested Ecuadorian fugitive Angel Aguilar, linked to drug trafficking and the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Villavicencio. The operation highlights regional cooperation against transnational crime, with Aguilar extradited to Colombia. Tensions persist over border security and sovereignty issues.
US prosecutors are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro over allegations of soliciting drug traffickers for campaign donations and possible meetings with traffickers. Petro denies the claims, which emerge ahead of Colombia's May presidential election. The investigations are in early stages, with no charges filed yet.
A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo, resulting in at least one death and dozens injured. The aircraft was transporting troops, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The incident occurred near an urban area in the Amazon region.
A Hercules C-130 plane crashed in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing 66 military personnel and injuring dozens. The aircraft was transporting troops within Putumayo. Investigations are ongoing, with officials ruling out rebel attack. President Petro highlights military modernization efforts amid the tragedy.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has visited Spain, meeting with opposition figures and avoiding talks with the government. She has received a warm welcome from conservative leaders, highlighting divisions within Venezuelan politics and contrasting her approach with that of the Spanish government, which emphasizes democratic sovereignty.
A Colombia‑ and Netherlands‑hosted summit in Santa Marta has convened more than 50 countries (April 24–29) to open political debate on phasing out oil, gas and coal. Organisers are focusing on renewable energy, energy security and finance while major producers such as Saudi Arabia and some large economies are not attending.
Mexican President Sheinbaum has stated there is no diplomatic crisis with Spain, despite past disputes. She has participated in a democracy summit in Barcelona, following Spain's recent acknowledgment of the abuses during the conquest of the Americas. Relations have shifted toward reconciliation, with Spain inviting Sheinbaum to host next year's summit.
Colombia and the Netherlands have convened a two-day conference with nearly 60 countries to chart roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The gathering promotes voluntary national plans, addresses financing and debt relief, and seeks to accelerate a shift toward clean energy outside traditional UN climate talks. A second summit will be held next year in Tuvalu.
Direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela have resumed for the first time since 2019. Envoy Air flight AA3599 has landed in Caracas after departing Miami; American/Envoy will add a second daily Miami–Caracas service on May 21. The return of service follows renewed diplomatic ties and recent US actions in Venezuela.
Colombia has experienced a series of bombings and attacks in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities blame dissident FARC groups linked to drug trafficking. Security forces are increasing operations ahead of upcoming elections, as violence continues to escalate.
Polls across Brazil, Colombia and Peru show tightening races ahead of upcoming elections. In Brazil, Lula and Bolsonaro remain neck and neck ahead of the October vote, with second-round dynamics shaping expectations. In Colombia, Cepeda leads in a potential June runoff, while Peru’s Fujimori and Sanchez are running closely in the first-round aftermath.
Protests across Bolivia continue with clashes reported in La Paz and El Alto as demonstrations press President Paz to reverse austerity measures. The government has halved ministers’ salaries and sought dialogue, while international actors offer humanitarian aid and call for negotiations amidst ongoing shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
The updates cover ongoing immigration issues across several countries: Colombia's tuition-free policy impact and its political transitions; U.S. courts discussing CDL authority and deportation matters; France dealing with deportation orders for immigrant students; and a U.S. judge ruling on entrapment in a voting case.
Colombia’s presidential election has been held amid renewed violence linked to dissident FARC factions, drone attacks, and political assassinations. Voters face a choice between continuing the government’s peace approach and a hardline security path as clashes and insecurity persist ahead of a potential runoff in June.
Abelardo de la Espriella has clinched the first round lead with 43.74% of the vote, while Iván Cepeda trails at 40.90%. A runoff is set for June 21 as neither candidate has won an outright majority. The result signals a shift toward the radical right, with Cepeda pursuing continuity of Petro’s policies.