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Al Jazeera informa sobre una crisis de desplazamiento en Catatumbo, Colombia, provocada por el resurgimiento del conflicto entre grupos rebeldes. Esta violencia, que persiste a pesar del acuerdo de paz de 2016 con las FARC, ha obligado a decenas de miles de personas a huir de sus hogares, desbordando los recursos en ciudades como Cúcuta. Los desplazados enfrentan escasez de alimentos e incertidumbre sobre su regreso, lo que pone a prueba los esfuerzos humanitarios. La política de "paz total" del presidente Petro enfrenta desafíos, ya que los diálogos de paz con el ELN están estancados y el Estado lucha por establecer su presencia en las zonas rurales. La falta de infraestructura y el auge del comercio de coca agravan la crisis, dejando a los residentes preguntándose cuándo podrán volver a casa. El artículo resalta la grave situación y las limitaciones de los esfuerzos actuales para abordar las causas profundas del conflicto y brindar el apoyo necesario.

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Al Jazeera informa sobre una crisis de desplazamiento en Catatumbo, Colombia, provocada por el resurgimiento del conflicto entre grupos rebeldes. Esta violencia, que persiste a pesar del acuerdo de paz de 2016 con las FARC, ha obligado a decenas de miles de personas a huir de sus hogares, desbordando los recursos en ciudades como Cúcuta. Los desplazados enfrentan escasez de alimentos e incertidumbre sobre su regreso, lo que pone a prueba los esfuerzos humanitarios. La política de "paz total" del presidente Petro enfrenta desafíos, ya que los diálogos de paz con el ELN están estancados y el Estado lucha por establecer su presencia en las zonas rurales. La falta de infraestructura y el auge del comercio de coca agravan la crisis, dejando a los residentes preguntándose cuándo podrán volver a casa. El artículo resalta la grave situación y las limitaciones de los esfuerzos actuales para abordar las causas profundas del conflicto y brindar el apoyo necesario.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Monday April 10, 2023

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia, responsible for one of the largest disasters in the Western Hemisphere, is showing signs of increased activity. Experts have detected an earthquake swarm not seen since the eruption in the 1980s that killed at least 25,000 people. The Colombian government has issued evacuations in the potential impact zone and raised the alert level to orange, the second-highest on a four-stage scale. An estimated 57,000 people live in municipalities close to the volcano. The last major eruption occurred in 1985, killing thousands. The US Geological Survey recounted that "Sadly, the lahars reached Armero approximately two hours after the eruption - plenty of time for the people to have evacuated to higher ground, had they been notified more quickly."

Controversy has erupted in Colombia after Onlyfans adult film actress Katty Blake posted a video of herself performing a sex act in public at the Rock of Guatapé. The 721-foot-high (220 meters) natural landmark is considered a national treasure and La Piedra, the tourist center that manages the site, has vowed to take legal action against all those involved in the video. The incident sparked national outrage and generated widespread media coverage in Colombia. Blake and her partner Zac, who filmed the video, may face legal trouble, and residents of Guatapé, the town near the rock, are particularly incensed, having experienced similar incidents of public indecency in recent times.

Colombia has launched a new digital nomad visa, making it one of the most accessible options for remote workers looking for an affordable place to live. The visa will allow successful applicants to stay in the country for up to two years, compared to the 90-day limit for Americans without a visa. Applicants will need to show proof of employment or self-employment and earnings of at least 655 US dollars per month, as well as proof of health insurance. Colombia’s vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and low cost of living have long attracted digital nomads, making this visa a great option for those seeking a long-term stay.

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Estas son las noticias más destacadas en Colombia el sábado 8 de abril de 2023.

Las protestas en una mina de carbón en la provincia de La Guajira en Colombia han terminado después de cuatro días, permitiendo que la mina reanude sus operaciones. El bloqueo fue liderado por residentes de tres comunidades en Media Luna y había afectado la línea de ferrocarril y la entrada al terminal de exportación utilizado por la minera de carbón Cerrejón. La empresa, propiedad del gigante de materias primas anglo-suizo Glencore, ha tenido disputas de larga data con comunidades indígenas Wayuu sobre el uso y la contaminación del agua, el polvo, el ruido y los problemas de salud. La empresa está bajo una orden judicial para cumplir con los requisitos ambientales y de salud, incluyendo llegar a acuerdos con las comunidades Wayuu, pero ha rechazado las llamadas para suspender algunas operaciones realizadas por un Relator Especial de la ONU en 2020.

El presidente Gustavo Petro quiere transformar la "economía de la muerte" de su país, alejándose de los combustibles fósiles y los narcóticos hacia actividades económicas más sostenibles. Esta es una política energética sin precedentes, dado que el petróleo y el carbón representan la mitad de las exportaciones de Colombia y el país es el principal productor mundial de cocaína. Si Colombia puede llevar a cabo con éxito este cambio, sentaría un ejemplo para otros países igualmente adictos a estas sustancias. Sin embargo, Petro y su vicepresidente ambientalista han encontrado una resistencia significativa a sus planes, incluso desde dentro de sus propias filas. El país también enfrenta un gran problema de deuda, con un tercio de los ingresos del gobierno destinados a pagar su deuda externa. A pesar de estos desafíos, Colombia ofrece un paradigma fundamentalmente diferente de desarrollo económico, uno más verde que rosado. La pregunta es, ¿el mundo, y particularmente los Estados Unidos, ayudará a sacar a Colombia de su agujero económico?

En un desarrollo reciente, la aerolínea de bajo costo easyJet está lista para adquirir dos aviones Airbus A320neo que inicialmente fueron ordenados por Viva Air Colombia. Los dos aviones de fuselaje estrecho serán entregados directamente a easyJet desde Airbus a finales de este año. Con la adición de los dos nuevos aviones, la flota de easyJet se expandirá a 322 jets de la familia Airbus A320. La compañía tiene otros 132 aviones A320neo en orden directo de Airbus, con 33 órdenes pendientes para la variante A321neo. Se espera que la capacidad aumentada impulse las operaciones de verano de easyJet, ya que la compañía ofrecerá más de 125 destinos desde sus bases en el Reino Unido y Europa. Mientras tanto, la problemática aerolínea colombiana Viva Air enfrenta dificultades financieras y ha suspendido sus operaciones debido a una toma de control retrasada por Avianca.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Saturday April 8, 2023

Protests at a coal mine in Colombia's La Guajira province have ended after four days, allowing the mine to resume operations. The blockade was led by residents from three communities in Media Luna and had affected the rail line and entrance to the export terminal used by coal miner Cerrejon. The company, owned by Anglo-Swiss commodities giant Glencore, has had long-standing disputes with Wayuu indigenous communities over water use and pollution, dust, noise, and health issues. The company is under a court order to comply with environmental and health requirements, including reaching agreements with Wayuu communities, but has rejected calls to suspend some operations made by a U.N. Special Rapporteur in 2020.

President Gustavo Petro, wants to transform his country's "economy of death" by pivoting away from fossil fuels and narcotics toward more sustainable economic activities. This is an unprecedented energy policy, given that oil and coal make up half of Colombia's exports and the country is the world's leading cocaine producer. If Colombia can successfully undertake this pivot, it would set an example for other countries similarly addicted to such substances. However, Petro and his environmentalist vice president have encountered significant resistance to their plans, even from within their own ranks. The country also faces a huge debt problem, with one-third of government revenues flowing toward servicing its foreign debt. Despite these challenges, Colombia is offering a fundamentally different paradigm of economic development, one that's more green than pink. The question is, will the world, and particularly the United States, lend a hand in pulling Colombia out of its economic hole?

In a recent development, low-cost airline easyJet is set to acquire two Airbus A320neo planes that were initially ordered by Viva Air Colombia. The two narrowbodies are set to be delivered directly to easyJet from Airbus later this year. With the addition of the two new planes, easyJet's fleet will expand to 322 Airbus A320 family jets. The carrier has a further 132 A320neo aircraft on direct order from Airbus, with 33 orders outstanding for the A321neo variant. The increased capacity is expected to boost easyJet's summer operations, with the carrier set to offer over 125 destinations from its bases across the United Kingdom and Europe. Meanwhile, troubled Colombian airline Viva Air faces financial difficulties and has suspended operations due to a delayed takeover by Avianca.

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Estas son las noticias principales de tendencia en Colombia el jueves 6 de abril de 2023

Las operaciones en la mina de carbón Cerrejón en Colombia han sido afectadas por el bloqueo de una línea ferroviaria y un terminal de exportación utilizado por la compañía, según un comunicado publicado el miércoles. El bloqueo, liderado por residentes de tres comunidades en Media Luna, provincia de La Guajira, es un esfuerzo por obtener un "acuerdo desproporcionado" después de una orden judicial para que Cerrejón llegue a acuerdos con comunidades indígenas Wayuu cercanas en relación con los requisitos ambientales y de salud. La compañía, propiedad del gigante de materias primas anglo-suizo Glencore, ya ha firmado 302 acuerdos, incluidos 11 con las comunidades de Media Luna. Los bloqueos son comunes y regularmente resultan en pérdidas para Cerrejón, que permanece abierto al diálogo y espera la ayuda del gobierno para levantar el bloqueo.

El peso colombiano se espera que siga débil debido al enfoque de espera y observación del banco central en cuanto a las tasas de interés, combinado con una discrepancia entre la moneda y los precios del petróleo, según una encuesta de Reuters. Se predice que el peso se cotice a 4,800 por dólar estadounidense a finales de junio, lo que es un 4.2% menos que su valor el lunes. El año pasado, el peso fue una de las monedas con peor desempeño del mundo, perdiendo una quinta parte de su valor debido a las preocupaciones sobre las reformas propuestas por el presidente Gustavo Petro. BanRep, el banco central, elevó la tasa de referencia en 25 puntos básicos al 13% la semana pasada. Según los analistas de J.P. Morgan, si la inflación se comporta como se espera en marzo, este podría ser el último aumento. Sin embargo, ellos permanecen dependientes de los datos, lo que respalda su opinión de infraponderación para el peso.

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Estas son las noticias más relevantes en Colombia este miércoles 5 de abril de 2023.

Se cree que bandas brasileñas están detrás del aumento de la violencia en la zona tri-fronteriza entre Colombia, Brasil y Perú, ya que luchan por el control del corredor de tráfico de drogas. El medio local La Silla Vacía informó que entre el 24 y el 26 de marzo, dos personas fueron asesinadas y otras dos resultaron heridas en Leticia, la capital del departamento colombiano de Amazonas, mientras que un ciudadano colombiano fue asesinado en Tabatinga, la ciudad brasileña en la frontera con Leticia. Las autoridades sospechan que los autores de los ataques están conectados a grupos brasileños de Tabatinga, que se han establecido en Colombia. La violencia es el resultado de una disputa entre el Comando Rojo y los Crias, dos organizaciones criminales brasileñas, siendo la primera aliada con grupos colombianos, incluyendo a los Caqueteños. Los asesinatos aumentaron en un 33% en 2022, con 32 asesinatos registrados, según la Policía Nacional de Colombia.

En 2022, Colombia fue el país más mortífero del mundo para los defensores de los derechos humanos, representando el 46% del total global registrado el año pasado, según un informe de Front Line Defenders. América Latina y Ucrania juntos representaron el 80% de las 401 muertes de defensores de derechos en todo el mundo, y Colombia registró más de tres veces el número de asesinatos de derechos humanos que Ucrania. Los defensores que trabajan en la protección de la tierra, el medio ambiente y los derechos de los pueblos indígenas fueron los más frecuentemente objetivo de la violencia. Los defensores de los derechos indígenas representaron el 22% del total global de asesinatos en todos los sectores de los derechos humanos el año pasado. En Colombia, los defensores de los derechos ambientales y de los pueblos indígenas también fueron desproporcionadamente blanco de ataques, con 88 defensores de derechos ambientales e indígenas asesinados. El director interino de Front Line Defenders, Olive Moore, dijo que la comunidad internacional debe solidarizarse con ellos y hacer todo lo posible para protegerlos.

Después de siete años de disputas diplomáticas y cierre de fronteras, Venezuela y Colombia finalmente están viendo los beneficios de los lazos renovados. El pueblo fronterizo de San Antonio del Táchira está nuevamente lleno de actividad mientras los funcionarios aduaneros inspeccionan remolques cargados de importaciones de Colombia, incluyendo cargas mundanas como detergente, tabaco y cajas de mayonesa. Emilio Gutiérrez, propietario de un almacén que tuvo que reubicarse en Colombia debido a los cierres, está emocionado de haber reabierto su negocio y cree que la frontera volverá a ser una de las más concurridas de América Latina. El comercio entre los dos países había alcanzado los $7 mil millones en 2007, pero se redujo a solo $300 millones en 2021 debido a tensiones diplomáticas. Sin embargo, con las recientes mejoras en las relaciones, se espera que el comercio formal aumente significativamente, trayendo empleos y beneficios económicos a ambos países.

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Estas son las noticias principales de tendencia en Colombia el martes 4 de abril de 2023.

Los residentes que viven en las laderas del volcán Nevado del Ruiz en Colombia están siendo evacuados debido a un aumento en la actividad sísmica. El Servicio Geológico de Colombia ha elevado el nivel de alerta de amarillo a naranja, advirtiendo que podría ocurrir una gran erupción en los próximos días o semanas.

Este es un desarrollo preocupante ya que el volcán causó el desastre natural más mortífero de Colombia en 1985, cuando una erupción hizo que la nieve en su cima se derritiera y desencadenó un alud de lodo que enterró la ciudad de Armero, matando a alrededor de 25.000 personas.

Los geólogos han registrado miles de temblores diarios, una cantidad sin precedentes desde que comenzaron a monitorear la actividad del volcán. Alrededor de 40 familias han sido evacuadas y las escuelas en la zona pasarán a clases en línea. El cercano parque natural Los Nevados también ha sido cerrado a los turistas.

El SGV dijo que no tenía forma científica de predecir si las actividades del volcán aumentarían aún más o disminuirían nuevamente. La última vez que se elevó el nivel de amenaza en el Nevado del Ruiz fue en 2012, pero esa vez no hubo una gran erupción. Las autoridades están monitoreando de cerca la situación y tomando las precauciones necesarias para garantizar la seguridad de los residentes en la zona.

La organización de tráfico de drogas más poderosa de Colombia, AGC, quiere tener un asiento en la mesa del gobierno. La AGC controla una gran extensión del país y las rutas más importantes para mover la cocaína hacia Estados Unidos. También desempeña el papel de policía y juez en las comunidades rurales, resolviendo disputas entre los lugareños.

Durante varias horas de conversación con periodistas del Washington Post, Jerónimo, el comandante político de AGC, explicó la misión política autoproclamada de la organización. El movimiento llega mientras el gobierno izquierdista del presidente Gustavo Petro persigue un ambicioso plan de "paz total", intentando desmantelar varios grupos armados y poner fin a la violencia y los asesinatos que han asolado el país durante mucho tiempo.

Más de 1 millón de personas han muerto en el conflicto de décadas de Colombia, según cifras del gobierno, y más de 8,4 millones han sido desplazadas de sus hogares. Si bien el caso de AGC por la paz puede parecer un progreso, la historia de violencia y tráfico de drogas de la organización plantea preguntas sobre sus verdaderas intenciones. Las autoridades y el público siguen siendo cautelosos mientras navegan en el mundo complejo y peligroso de los carteles de drogas colombianos.

En una serie de incidentes marítimos en la costa de Colombia, la armada incautó más de cuatro toneladas de marihuana e interceptó tres barcos cargados de drogas. Dos de los barcos se hundieron al tratar de evadir a la armada. El primer barco, que transportaba alrededor de 5,000 libras de marihuana, se hundió debido al mal tiempo, pero las dos personas a bordo fueron rescatadas. En el segundo incidente, las autoridades incautaron más de 2,000 libras de marihuana de un barco de alta velocidad que fue interceptado. En el tercer incidente, se detectó un bote tripulado por tres individuos a unas 50 millas náuticas de la costa de Bahía Solano, pero terminó hundiéndose después de intentar huir. Se realizaron siete arrestos y se incautaron más de 700,000 dosis de la droga. La armada ha estado ocupada interceptando embarcaciones cargadas de drogas en la costa en los últimos meses.

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Estas son las noticias más destacadas en Colombia el lunes 3 de abril de 2023:

Las autoridades colombianas han elevado el nivel de amenaza para el volcán Nevado del Ruiz, ubicado en los Andes, debido al aumento de la actividad sísmica. El volcán causó el mayor desastre natural registrado en Colombia en 1985, matando a 25,000 personas. El presidente Gustavo Petro advirtió de un mayor riesgo de erupción y el Servicio Geológico emitió una alerta naranja, indicando que una erupción es probable en semanas o días. Desde el 24 de marzo, la agencia ha documentado fracturación alrededor de la ladera suroeste del volcán, así como un aumento en los terremotos y fracturación de rocas. Se ha aconsejado a las comunidades circundantes que permanezcan tranquilas pero estén atentas a cualquier noticia en desarrollo sobre el estado del volcán.

En un evento histórico, Elizabeth Taylor Jay ha sido nombrada como la nueva Viceministra de Asuntos Multilaterales del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Colombia. La ceremonia de juramentación contó con la presencia de representantes de la Armada colombiana y pescadores locales en Serrana Cay en el archipiélago de San Andrés. En su nuevo cargo, Taylor se centrará en desarrollar nuevas relaciones con países hermanos de la cuenca, con un énfasis específico en los derechos de las comunidades caribeñas asentadas en la región. Taylor, bióloga marina de profesión, ha tenido una exitosa carrera en el sector público y es miembro de la comunidad Raizal. Su nombramiento es visto como un reconocimiento a las mujeres de Colombia y a la comunidad Raizal en su conjunto. En la ceremonia, Taylor enfatizó su compromiso de promover una política exterior transformadora que contribuya al desarrollo sostenible y la Paz Total más allá de las fronteras de Colombia.

Colombia ha introducido una nueva reforma fiscal, Ley 2277 de 2022, que afecta la tributación de los dividendos corporativos. Los dividendos se distribuyen entre los accionistas en proporción a su inversión y la tributación de los dividendos depende de varios factores, incluyendo el estatus del contribuyente, la tasa impositiva y la entidad legal que emite los dividendos. Por ejemplo, la tasa impositiva para 2023 es del 35%, pero varía para diferentes tipos de contribuyentes, como personas naturales residentes, personas naturales no residentes y sucursales extranjeras. La tasa impositiva también puede ser revisada en función de los acuerdos de doble tributación con otros países. En el caso de una sucursal extranjera, la tasa impositiva es del 20%, pero solo para países sin acuerdo de doble tributación con Colombia. Las personas naturales bajo el régimen de tributación simplificada solo pagan impuestos en función de las tasas correspondientes a la actividad en la que están involucrados. También se debe tener en cuenta la entidad legal que emite los dividendos, dependiendo de si es una empresa nacional que realiza mega inversiones, una empresa no cubierta por el régimen empresarial o una empresa nacional del régimen ordinario.

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Estas son las noticias de última hora en Colombia el viernes 31 de marzo de 2023:

Colombia está avanzando en la tarea de eliminar 70 hipopótamos dejados por el fallecido narcotraficante Pablo Escobar, pero la tarea tiene un costo considerable de $3.5 millones. Estos animales africanos fueron traídos a Colombia a finales de la década de 1980 y desde entonces se han multiplicado hasta llegar a 150 animales, causando estragos en su entorno. Las autoridades planean capturar y trasladar casi la mitad de ellos, con 10 yendo a un santuario en el norte de México y 60 a India. Ernesto Zazueta, el dueño del santuario mexicano, estima que la operación costará $3.5 millones. Los hipopótamos fueron declarados especie invasora el año pasado, pero el plan de traslado se ve como una medida para salvarles la vida.

La aerolínea de bajo costo colombiana, Ultra Air, ha cesado sus operaciones a tan solo 14 meses después de comenzar sus vuelos. La aerolínea había estado volando a ciudades en toda Colombia con una flota de seis aviones Airbus A320. La aerolínea citó el aumento del costo del combustible y las tasas de cambio extranjeras como las razones de su fracaso, así como el colapso de Viva Air el mes pasado. El gobierno colombiano ha dicho que la incapacidad de Ultra Air para recaudar capital adicional es la causa de su fracaso. Ultra Air es la cuarta aerolínea latinoamericana en cerrar este año, después de los cierres de Viva Air Colombia, Viva Air Perú y Aeromar el mes pasado.

El régimen de golpe de Estado en Perú ha ordenado la "retirada definitiva" del embajador del país en Colombia, Félix Ricardo Americo Antonio Denegri Boza, en respuesta a las críticas del presidente Gustavo Petro sobre los abusos a los derechos humanos cometidos en Perú después del golpe contra Pedro Castillo. Esto sigue a una votación en el Congreso el mes pasado que declaró a Petro como "persona non grata" por sus comentarios criticando el golpe. El uso de la fuerza excesiva por parte del régimen contra las protestas y huelgas contra el golpe ha resultado en más de 60 muertes desde diciembre. El régimen es muy impopular, con una tasa de desaprobación del 77% entre los peruanos. Las acciones del régimen han deteriorado las relaciones con numerosos países latinoamericanos, con los cuales han tenido buenas relaciones durante mucho tiempo. Han amenazado con retirar a sus embajadores en Bolivia y Argentina, cuyos gobiernos no reconocen al régimen de Boluarte, no elegido democráticamente, como legítimo.

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Estas son las principales noticias de Colombia del jueves 30 de marzo de 2023.

Nueve soldados han sido asesinados y otros nueve resultaron heridos en un ataque a una unidad militar en Colombia. El ataque tuvo lugar en El Carmen, en el estado de Norte de Santander, y los atacantes utilizaron armas de largo alcance y dispositivos explosivos improvisados. Se sospecha que el Ejército de Liberación Nacional, o ELN, está detrás del ataque. El presidente Gustavo Petro condenó el ataque y pidió consultas con negociadores gubernamentales y socios internacionales en el proceso de paz. El ataque se produce cuando se han reanudado los esfuerzos para negociar una paz duradera con el ELN después de una pausa en noviembre. El ELN cuenta ahora con alrededor de 2.000 a 4.000 soldados en Colombia y en la vecina Venezuela, y se le acusa de dirigir rutas de tráfico de drogas y minas de oro ilegales.

El presidente colombiano Petro anunció desde Villavicencio que su gobierno priorizará la construcción y mejora de viviendas, con un enfoque en las zonas rurales donde casi cuatro millones de colombianos carecen de hogares propios. La Sociedad de Activos Especiales (SAE) está recuperando bienes y propiedades de traficantes de drogas y entregándolos a personas y barrios trabajadores, y la tierra recuperada se utilizará para proyectos de viviendas sociales. El gobierno tiene como objetivo reparar 100.000 hogares al año, lo que proporcionará viviendas decentes a la mayoría de los colombianos. El gobierno de Petro también está priorizando programas sociales y luchando por reformas radicales en salud, trabajo y pensiones. Colombia está dando pasos significativos hacia la construcción de un futuro mejor para sus ciudadanos al priorizar sus necesidades.

En Colombia, las tensiones están aumentando entre las comunidades indígenas y las colonias menonitas por la propiedad de la tierra y la deforestación. Desde 2015, las colonias menonitas han llegado a Colombia y establecido agricultura a gran escala en áreas protegidas y territorios indígenas. Los líderes indígenas han reportado amenazas e intimidación por parte de los miembros de las colonias menonitas y otros individuos, y algunos líderes han solicitado anonimato por motivos de seguridad. Los datos satelitales muestran una pérdida continua de la cobertura arbórea asociada con la expansión agrícola en la colonia menonita de Liviney. Las comunidades indígenas están trabajando para ser reconocidas como víctimas de la violencia por la Unidad de Restitución de Tierras de Colombia, mientras que un informe presentado a la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz de Colombia sugiere que otra guerra se está desarrollando, esta vez a través de la escritura y las licencias ambientales. Los informes de conflictos entre los residentes indígenas y los colonos menonitas son numerosos, incluyendo amenazas y violencia contra líderes indígenas y sus familias. Una investigación de 2021 realizada por la Corporación para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Macarena no encontró actividad ambiental ilegal por parte de las colonias menonitas, pero las comunidades indígenas continúan luchando por sus derechos a sus tierras ancestrales.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Tuesday March 28, 2023

Colombia could become the latest country to ban bullfighting as the nation's House of Representatives considers legislation introduced by Senator Andrea Padilla, a long-time animal rights activist. The Senate has already approved the measure that would ban the practice within three years and impose immediate reforms on bullfighting shows. The legislation bars the use of some weapons and the killing of the animal, but supporters of bullfighting say those measures would effectively end the tradition. In a November public opinion study, 85% of Colombians supported a ban on bullfights. However, some politicians have been unwilling to support the measure, preferring instead to "moderate" bullfights by making some of the weapons used less violent.

Colombia's fight against drug trafficking is at risk of losing US support due to rising coca output and a proposed bill that could allow criminal gangs to surrender and potentially receive pardons, warns Attorney General Francisco Barbosa. The bill, supported by leftist President Gustavo Petro, seeks to end the role of criminal groups in the country's internal conflict. However, Barbosa argues that the proposed legislation would allow criminals to break the law, launder assets, and benefit from large-scale drug trafficking. He also expresses concern that Colombia's decision to reduce manual eradication of coca and suspend aerial spraying of drug crops with the pesticide glyphosate would increase coca output. Colombia receives $450 million in annual assistance from the US, and a potential de-certification could result in a loss of funding. Barbosa emphasizes the need for Colombia to fight against becoming a narco-state and highlights that total peace cannot be achieved by merely emptying jails.

Chicha, an indigenous drink made from fermented corn, has been making a comeback in Colombia despite being officially outlawed since 1949. Villainised and stigmatised for over a century, chicha was said to cause a disease named chichismo, which led to a slow deterioration of the body and mind. The indigenous Muisca people, who inhabited the high mountainous plateau where Bogotá is today, made chicha using their traditional process centuries before Europeans arrived. The women chewed the corn and spat the mash into a clay bowl to start the fermentation initiated by their saliva. Only the wise women of the community were allowed to chew the corn, as they would pass their wisdom into the chicha so others could ingest it. Originally produced in small amounts, chicha was reserved only for special celebrations or ceremonies, but today it can be found in half the places around Bogotá.

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Al Jazeera reports on a displacement crisis in Catatumbo, Colombia, sparked by renewed conflict between rebel groups. This violence, occurring despite a 2016 peace agreement with FARC, has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, overwhelming resources in areas like Cucuta. The displaced face food shortages and uncertainty about returning, straining humanitarian aid efforts. President Petro's "total peace" policy faces challenges as peace talks with the ELN stall and the state struggles to establish a presence in rural areas. The lack of infrastructure and the flourishing coca trade exacerbate the crisis, leaving residents questioning when they can return home. The article highlights the dire situation and the limitations of current efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and provide adequate support.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Monday March 27, 2023

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has admitted that his country shares the blame for the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Moise was killed by a group of Colombian mercenaries, which worsened Haiti's already dire political and economic crises. Petro said that Colombia has a co-responsibility because Haiti helped it become a country in the past, and Colombian mercenaries were involved in the assassination. Petro has expressed a desire to visit Haiti, but said that the people of Haiti must resolve their own crises with diplomatic, not weapon-based, help. Despite the arrests made in connection with the assassination, the full reasons behind the plot remain unclear. Since Moise's murder, Haiti has experienced a surge in gang violence, with hundreds of people murdered or kidnapped by criminal gangs. Haiti played a crucial role in the independence struggles of several Latin American countries, including Colombia.

Leaders at the Ibero-American Summit in the Dominican Republic pledged to cooperate on environmental issues while discussing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, is considering a constructive role for his country in Haiti. Meanwhile, leaders emphasized the need to address issues like the loss of biodiversity, pollution, soil degradation, and scarcity of water resources. They also called for regional collaboration on migration, recognizing it as one of the great regional challenges. The meeting of presidents and representatives from 22 countries comes as the region grapples with stubbornly high inflation and global concerns about the financial sector.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Colombia's economy is transitioning towards a more sustainable growth path, with tightened macroeconomic policies, slowing global growth, and higher borrowing costs being highlighted as factors driving this change. The IMF has praised the country's "decisive" monetary policy tightening, which it deemed consistent with targeting inflation. However, the fund has also warned that some downside risks persist and remain elevated. The IMF has also commended Colombia's commitment to maintaining a tight monetary stance until price pressures and inflation expectations are on a firm downward trend. Colombia's two-year, nearly $9.8 billion flexible credit line approved by the IMF in April has given the country "additional external buffers" and enhances its resilience.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Thursday March 16, 2023

In central Colombia, rescuers and miners worked against the clock to save ten workers trapped in a coal mine after an explosion killed at least 11 people. With oxygen running low, family members of the trapped miners waited outside the mine, hoping for good news. Over 100 rescuers were involved in the search, with Governor Nicolas Garcia calling it a "difficult" operation. The blast happened when accumulated gases in the mine were ignited by a spark from a worker's tool. Mining accidents are common in Colombia, especially at illegal digs, with poor working conditions and a lack of protective gear contributing to the problem. At least 130,000 people in Colombia make a legal living from mining.

Colombia is grappling with a unique problem: what to do with Pablo Escobar's hippo population? The drug lord imported four hippos to his zoo in the 1980s, but since his death in 1993, the feral herd has grown to about 80. Efforts to control their population have failed, and they have become a source of division and even danger for locals. Now, Colombia is considering a new strategy: shipping the hippos abroad. The plan has received criticism from some animal rights activists, but officials argue that it may be the only viable solution to the escalating problem.

Colombia's low-cost airline Viva Air has been accused of fraud by the country's transport minister, Guillermo Reyes, who filed a criminal complaint alleging that flight cancellations caused damages of at least $57.3 million. Viva Air, which suspended operations in February, is currently undergoing restructuring due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic, fuel prices, and depreciation of the Colombian peso. The airline is awaiting a ruling on a proposed merger with Avianca, and Reyes alleges that it committed aggravated mass fraud and caused a disturbance of public transport. The superintendency of transportation is already investigating the airline over the cancellations.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Tuesday March 14, 2023

The Gulf Clan criminal group has been accused by President Gustavo Petro of violating a ceasefire agreement by attacking an aqueduct during protests by illegal gold miners. The protests resulted in roadblocks that affected up to 300,000 people across 12 municipalities in Colombia’s Antioquia and Cordoba provinces, causing shortages of fuel, food, and medicine. The Gulf Clan reached a truce with the government last year as part of Petro’s “total peace” plan to end nearly 60 years of armed conflict. However, negotiations between the government and illegal miners have not yet resulted in a deal, and the Gulf Clan continues to encourage attacks against medical facilities, vandalism, and roadblocks. Meanwhile, the military has stepped up operations to secure the region, blowing up four excavators used in illegal gold mining in the Cauca River over the weekend. The Gulf Clan is known to be behind a significant portion of the drugs exported from Colombia, the world’s largest producer of cocaine.

Bolivia and Colombia, two of the world's largest cocaine suppliers, are urging the United Nations to remove coca leaf from its list of prohibited substances. The countries argue that the leaf has many uses unrelated to narcotics, such as in teas and medicines, and that it is a fundamental part of their culture and Indigenous rights. However, the lengthy process requires the UN's World Health Organization to study coca's nonnarcotic benefits first. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who backs the campaign, has criticized the US-backed war on drugs and its impact on poor coca farmers. While expectations were high, neither country has revealed their plans to propose the legalization of the coca leaf. Meanwhile, coca cultivation reached record highs last year, raising concerns about increased production and trafficking of cocaine.

Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange, is partnering with Mastercard to launch its prepaid card in Colombia. The Binance Card is issued by Movii and allows users in the country to make purchases and pay bills with cryptocurrencies. Colombia is the third country in Latin America to support the product, following releases in Argentina last year and Brazil in January. The card can be funded with any of the 12 supported cryptocurrencies and merchants will be paid in fiat. The card doesn't directly connect to Binance's customer account but can be managed via a dashboard on the exchange's app and website. Latin America is the world's fifth-largest region for cryptocurrency adoption.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Monday March 13, 2023

Venezuela has extradited former congresswoman Aida Merlano to Colombia to serve her 15-year prison sentence and act as a key witness in high-profile corruption cases. Merlano fled to Venezuela in 2019 after a jailbreak and has since testified against former Senate President Arturo Char, who is being investigated for vote-buying. Merlano has also made allegations of political corruption in Colombia, particularly in the Caribbean region. Her return is expected to expedite investigations into corruption practices of the Char Clan and their allies in politics. Merlano has claimed her prison break was coordinated by the Char Clan with the purpose of assassinating her.

Two Dead in Colombian Cocaine-Smuggling Mishap. During a recent drug interdiction operation, Colombian authorities discovered more than just a 2.6-tonne haul of cocaine hydrochloride. Two smugglers were found dead on board a 50-foot semisubmersible vessel off the country's Pacific coast. The Colombian Navy team found the bodies next to the cargo of drugs and the survivors, who were suffering from poor health, were taken for medical attention. The drug shipment, worth nearly $90 million, was bound for a transshipment hub in Central America. The fight against cocaine smuggling is an ongoing enterprise for US and allied forces.

In a surprising upset at the World Baseball Classic, Colombia's Guillermo Zuñiga shone in a David vs. Goliath moment, as his team shocked Mexico in extra innings, winning 5-4. This thrilling match overshadowed Mike Trout's striking out twice in Team USA's victory over Great Britain, which was far less surprising. Despite Trout's status as one of the best players in the majors, he was outmatched by pitchers who haven't been in the majors for years or who played in Single-A. However, this tournament often pits David against Goliath, and the unexpected matchups make it all the more exciting.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Friday March 10, 2023

Colombia and Ecuador have launched a joint security alert system to protect Indigenous and environmental activists near their shared border. This move comes as new data from the UN's Colombian office reveals that at least 116 activists were killed last year, up from 100 in 2021. The UN report also highlights a rise in massacres, defined as the killing of three or more people at once, from 78 in 2021 to 92 last year. Sadly, these deaths include that of José Albeiro Camayo Güetio, a co-founder of an Indigenous-led lands rights guard in the Cauca region. Violence continues to devastate parts of Colombia despite the 2016 peace agreement between the government and the largest guerrilla force, the Revolutionary Armed Forces. NGOs and UN experts attribute most assassinations to armed criminal groups that aim to take control of remote jungle areas for drug trafficking and other illegal activities. We must watch this situation closely, especially as the Colombian President Gustavo Petro seeks to establish ceasefires with armed groups and curb violence in rural areas.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has signed a law that will allow 5,000 head-of-household mothers who serve sentences for theft, narcotics cultivation, or trafficking to visit their homes for five days each week. This law aims to prevent their children from growing up without affection and becoming criminals. Petro stresses that the alternatives to imprisonment will reduce recidivism and prevent social and family ties from breaking. The act will apply only to women with sentences of less than eight years who provide unpaid services to their communities. This bill was previously rejected by the former president but was now passed by the Constitutional Court.

Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) has given the green light for JetSMART to launch its Colombian branch, a new domestic airline that will operate 27 routes within the country using an Airbus A320neo fleet. JetSMART Colombia will be based in Bogota, and the company will immediately begin the certification process to comply with all the requirements in the shortest time possible. The approval allows JetSMART to launch 11 routes from Bogota El Dorado International Airport, and a maximum of 424 weekly flights across other airports in Colombia. This marks the company’s fourth domestic carrier in South America, with existing branches in Chile, Argentina, and Peru. JetSMART Colombia has three months to begin the process of obtaining its Air Operator Certificate.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Thursday March 2, 2023

Declassified CIA report reveals Colombia's army was behind the "narco-terrorism" that plagued Medellin in the 1980s, contradicting decades of government propaganda. According to the report, local authorities were behind many of the assassinations and massacres in Medellin from the mid-80s to the early 2000s. The terror campaign was coordinated by the 4th Brigade's intelligence chief, lieutenant colonel Plinio Correa, and carried out by members of intelligence units B2 and the 10th Brigade. The report also mentions the involvement of an unidentified private right-wing paramilitary group, and a former cartel associate known as "Rambo," who would later form the terrorist group "Los Pepes." The report sheds light on a dark period in Colombia's history and challenges long-standing beliefs about the source of violence in Medellin.

Colombia has made history by hosting its first-ever court hearing in the metaverse, marking a new milestone for the virtual world. The administrative court of Magdalena held a court session from the metaverse on February 15th to hear a case against the Colombian Ministry of Defence and the National Police. The court magistrate accepted a direct request from the plaintiff to hold the public audience in the metaverse. During the hearing, the magistrate highlighted that the metaverse allowed for “a real interaction” and was aimed at making procedural cases more efficient. The hearing was streamed live on Youtube and watched by over 68 thousand people. The Colombian courtroom hosted the legal session in Horizon Workrooms 18, the free virtual collaborative application developed by Meta.

A man who survived for almost a month lost at sea by eating ketchup is getting a new boat from Heinz. The US ketchup manufacturer launched the #FindtheKetchupBoatGuy campaign on social media, which quickly went viral. Elvis François was eventually found and rescued, but his old boat had been abandoned. Now Heinz has made contact with him to buy him a new sailing vessel, and they are currently working out the details. François survived by eating Heinz ketchup, garlic powder, and rainwater collected with a cloth. He also scrawled “help” on his boat’s hull.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Wednesday March 1, 2023

Low-cost airline Viva Air has suspended its operations in Colombia and Peru, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports with little support. The airline, owned by the same group that owns Ryanair, grounded its flights after Colombian authorities delayed approving its requested merger with Avianca, Colombia’s main carrier. Viva claims it has given plenty of evidence of its dire financial situation and that it can continue only if it merges with the larger airline. Viva and Avianca last year requested a permit to merge, but the deal has faced obstacles from government regulators who fear it could restrict competition in the airline market. Dozens of angry passengers protested outside Viva’s counters at airports in Bogota and Medellin, where they briefly blocked access to the international departures terminal.

In Colombia, the Federation of Educators (FECODE) has announced protests and a list of demands for teachers on February 28th. The demands will be presented to the Ministry of Education, accompanied by mobilizations in various areas of the country from 10:00 am. The list of demands includes the defense of public education with adequate infrastructure, transportation, and connectivity, as well as the dignification of the teaching profession and reform of the General System of Participation. FECODE seeks to improve teaching standards in Colombia.

A former financial advisor for Vanguard has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, a popular DJ, in Bogota, Colombia. John Poulos was caught in Panama on his way to Turkey, and has been fired from Vanguard Advisors and stripped of his Certified Financial Planner designation. According to reports, Poulos flew to Colombia on Jan. 19, rented a place with Trespalacios, and was planning on marrying her. Her body was later discovered in a trash can near El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. Prosecutors claim Poulos strangled Trespalacios, beat her and dumped her body in the trash can. Poulos has been seen in court footage leaving the apartment with a large suitcase and later removing something from a car and placing it in the trash can.

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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Tuesday Feb 28, 2023

Colombia is set to participate in the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which begins today in Geneva, Switzerland. The country's mission will take the approach of "Total Peace" to address violence and achieve justice in social, environmental, and economic spheres. Colombia's participation in this forum demonstrates its commitment to respecting and guaranteeing human rights, while also presenting national interests to the international community and seeking opportunities for collaboration with other countries. The Human Rights Council, an intergovernmental body of the UN, consists of 47 member states and aims to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.

The Superintendence of Finance reports that women have a greater presence in oversight and control positions in private entities, according to data collected from supervised entities. The overall figures show that women make up 30.84% of senior management and control bodies in the private sector, with higher representation in financial audit, compliance officers, and consumer advocates. Brokerage firms have the highest quota for women at 66% in those positions, while financial cooperatives show 80% of women in financial audit and compliance officer roles and 100% of women in the consumer advocate position. However, women still have little representation in top positions in the public sector, according to the report. These findings are particularly relevant as the Par Ranking, which evaluates gender equality in the business sector in Colombia, is about to be published.

In some Colombian prisons, inmates can obtain certain benefits, such as choosing their own cell or accessing illegal technology. According to Fernando Tamayo Arboleda, professor and director of the Prison Group at the Legal Clinic of the University of the Andes, this is due to corruption, security and governance issues, and the precarious conditions of the prisons themselves. Tamayo explains that corruption reaches even to judges and officials responsible for making decisions about confinement, while the conditions within the prisons replicate the social inequalities and stratification present outside. Precarious conditions make it easier for political, economic, or social power to benefit some inmates, who may even profit from the needs of others.

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These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Thursday February 23rd, 2023.

In Colombia, recent violence has impeded efforts to de-mine the country, putting rural populations at risk. Armed groups have scattered thousands of explosive devices across rural areas over the last six decades of conflict. The conflict has entered a new phase as armed groups have proliferated, and reports suggest that more landmines are being sown into Colombia's soil, putting civilian populations increasingly at risk. Colombia had hoped to destroy all mines by December 2025, and the country has made significant progress, but the deadline is likely to pass without the country achieving its goal, said Pablo Parra, director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Colombia.

Colombia's Ambassador Assad Jater presented his credentials to the Estonian Head of State in Tallinn on February 21, 2023. After the ceremony, the Ambassador met with President Alar Karis to discuss Colombia's foreign policy priorities and interest in promoting bilateral relations. The countries hope to work together on e-governance, cybersecurity, trade, and investment issues.

According to a recent study, cattle-ranching, not cocaine, has been the main cause of the destruction of the Colombian Amazon over the past four decades. In 2018, the amount of forest cleared to cultivate coca, the base ingredient of cocaine, was only 1/60th of that used for cattle. The study’s findings vindicate conservation experts who have argued that Colombia’s strategy to conserve the Amazon by focusing on combating coca production has been misplaced. Deforestation spiked after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, and land-grabbers took advantage, clearing trees with chainsaws and burning vast areas. While President Duque used coca cultivation to justify stepping up military action against coca farmers, the impact of cattle ranching on deforestation was much greater.

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These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Wednesday February 22nd, 2023.

Colombia's government is set to begin talks with two dissident groups founded by former FARC rebels who reject the 2016 peace deal. The country's top peace official has said that the initial phase of coming together and building confidence is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, leading to the start of the dialogue phase. The government has already resumed peace talks with the National Liberation Army rebels and agreed on ceasefires with two FARC dissident factions. President Gustavo Petro has pledged to end Colombia's 60-year conflict with remaining rebels and crime gangs and fully implement the accord with FARC.

Two earthquakes hit the department of Boyacá in Colombia, only two minutes apart. The first, with a magnitude of 3.9, struck the town of Campohermoso at 6:25 pm on February 18, while the second, with a magnitude of 2.5, hit Macanal just two minutes later. No damage or casualties have been reported. This comes after another tremor was recorded on the same morning, with a magnitude of 3.2 and a depth of 148 km. While the earthquakes have caused concern among the public, no damage has been reported so far.

Over half a million Colombians emigrated from the country last year due to the economic situation, according to a study by the Conflict Analysis Resource Center (Cerac). This figure, which is more than double the annual average since 2012, is a historic high. The migratory wave coincided with increased availability of Covid-19 vaccines and lower levels of contagion. The rise in the exchange rate is another reason cited, as it provides an opportunity to earn in dollars and send remittances to family members. With the trend towards an economic slowdown, the study center anticipates that the migratory trend could increase. Last year, the peso was one of the most devalued currencies in the world, with the Representative Market Rate exceeding $5,000.

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Las empresas chinas respaldadas por el Estado han aumentado significativamente sus inversiones en proyectos de infraestructura en Colombia desde la firma de acuerdos comerciales entre 2008 y 2019. Estas inversiones abarcan sectores clave, incluyendo puertos, carreteras, minería, energía y sistemas de transporte público como líneas de metro y trenes ligeros.

Sin embargo, han surgido preocupaciones debido a la naturaleza poco transparente de estos acuerdos, el posible control de infraestructuras estratégicas por parte de empresas chinas y la llegada masiva de trabajadores chinos. Varios proyectos han estado envueltos en controversias relacionadas con acusaciones de corrupción, impacto ambiental, conflictos laborales y el desplazamiento de firmas de ingeniería locales.

Estas inversiones están transformando el panorama de la infraestructura en Colombia, impulsando el crecimiento económico, pero también generando dudas sobre la soberanía y la transparencia. Ante esto, el gobierno colombiano está revisando los acuerdos y, en algunos casos, buscando

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These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Tuesday February 23rd, 2023.

China has been accused of using surveillance balloons for espionage activities in Colombia. A mysterious Chinese balloon was spotted floating at 55,000 feet in Colombia's airspace in February. The Colombian defense establishment insisted that the balloon posed no threat to the country's sovereignty or air security. However, the Pentagon stated that the balloon was deployed by China for surveillance purposes, and it sent a message to the United States that they are surrounded in the north and south. The Colombian government plans to investigate the origin of the balloon but has not yet made a statement on the matter. Meanwhile, some more aggressive critics of China in the US have alleged that Chinese spies are active in Colombia. Other countries, including Russia and Iran, have also been involved in espionage activities in Colombia.

If you missed it, Colombia’s mafia hired a Spanish PR firm to erase their criminal past from Google. Among the clients of the firm, Eliminalia, are former Medellin Cartel members Juan Gonzalo Angel and his brother Luis Guillermo. The Spanish firm threatened to sue Colombia Reports if they failed to rectify a 2020 article on the involvement of Colombia’s civil aviation agency in the international drug trade. Colombia Reports has evidence to sustain every single claim made in that article. According to newspaper El Espectador, the Angel brothers paid Eliminalia 13,000 euro to seek the deletion of the Colombia Reports article and 49 other online news reports referring to their criminal past.

General Motors is considering making Colombia the first country in Latin America to build their electric vehicles, according to Shilpan Amin, President of General Motors International. During a visit to GM's Colmotores plant in Bogota, Amin was encouraged by Colombia's government commitment to the energy transition. The visit also coincided with "Car Free Day," highlighting the country's dedication to alternative mobility. GM's visit ended with the question of whether Colombia could become the first Latin American country to assemble their EVs. This has caused a stir in the country, as it has never had a large car-manufacturing base and lost one of its three vehicle assembly plants during the past decade.

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These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Thursday February 16 2023.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is facing serious allegations, as US prosecution evidence suggests that its agents were involved in exporting cocaine from Colombia in 2017. In a letter to a New York judge, US Attorney Damian Williams accused the DEA of conspiring to traffic tons of cocaine, with evidence indicating that the DEA coordinated the export of the drug from Colombia's Prosecutor General's Office in a "controlled delivery." The trial against former guerrilla leader Jesus Santrich in 2018 involved charges allegedly fabricated by DEA agent Jason Richman, who testified under oath that the charges were the result of a drug trafficking investigation in Colombia. DEA agent Brian Witek also testified under oath that he coordinated the conspiracy to support these fabricated charges.

Chile's Mito Pereira and Colombian Sebastian Munoz are set to join the LIV Golf tour. Pereira, who missed a chance to become the first Chilean to win a major at the 2021 PGA Championship, and Munoz will join Torque GC's team, which includes captain (hoar are kin Joaquin Niemann and Spaniard David Puig. The duo will make their debut in Mexico next week for the first event of the tour's 14-tournament schedule. The Saudi-backed LIV Golf aims to lure the game's top players away from the traditional tours and features a shot clock and other innovations to make the game more accessible to younger fans.

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These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Wednesday February 15, 2023.

Colombia’s former top financial crimes prosecutor, Ana Catalina Noguera, was arrested on corruption charges, accused of extorting drug traffickers wanted by the US. Noguera was arrested alongside a colonel and two other members of the National Police's international cooperation unit. The Prosecutor General’s Office claims the officials demanded money from drug traffickers to block their extradition. Noguera was a confidant of former Prosecutor General Nestor Humberto Martinez, who made her head of the Asset Forfeiture department. Noguera resigned in 2020 after her cousins were indicted on drug trafficking charges. In April 2022, she made headlines again when audio surfaced of her discussing corruption charges against a wealthy Bogota family and the possibility of Martinez's involvement in bribery with Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht. Noguera is the third ally of Martinez to run into legal trouble. In 2017, his former anti-corruption chief was convicted of bribery.

"Thousands march in Colombia in support of President Petro's reforms. Yesterday, supporters took to the streets in major cities to show their support for the President's efforts to reduce poverty, inequality and exclusion in the country. President Petro recently presented a health reform aimed at improving access to healthcare, increasing salaries in the sector, and combating corruption. He also plans to introduce reforms in labor and pensions, as well as programs to provide free university education and subsidies for impoverished families and the elderly. "We need a change," says Bogota street vendor Maria Isabel Cubillos. "For the poor to have access to health, education and decent housing."

Univar Solutions and Kalsec have teamed up to bring innovative solutions to the Latin American food and beverage industry. The companies have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Kalsec's full food ingredient product range in Colombia, giving Univar Solutions customers access to a broader range of ingredient solutions focused on taste, natural colors, and food protection. The partnership will provide customers with access to high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients and support the latest food trends such as clean label, plant-based alternatives, and healthy ingredients. Both companies are committed to sustainable practices and meeting environmental, social, and governance goals. The partnership will drive more sustainable food and beverage solutions and provide technical support for the challenges facing the future of the food industry in South America and beyond.

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These are the Trending Colombian news headlines on Tuesday February 14, 2023.

Talks between Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels have resumed in Mexico City. Despite President Gustavo Petro's optimism, tensions have risen since the last round of talks in Caracas ended in December. Doubts are growing among those in militarized conflict areas who question the effectiveness of the ceasefire. Experts say the peace effort remains the 'best choice among bad options.'

In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro's recent actions have caused power generation projects to decline by over 20%. The energy ministry's planning unit, UPME, currently has 278 active projects in its registry. Solar power has seen the biggest decline, with wind and planned new thermoelectric capacity also dipping. Hydropower proposals have shifted towards smaller developments. The decline coincides with fears of government interference eroding investor confidence, as the administration has proposed temporarily assuming regulatory powers for the electric power sector. This has drawn criticism and raised concerns about an investor exodus. Fitch Ratings says political interference remains a concern for electricity generation and distribution.

Chile's JetSmart CEO, Estuardo Ortiz, has expressed interest in acquiring struggling Colombian low-cost carrier Viva Air. In a LinkedIn post, Ortiz said the Santiago-based airline is interested in acquiring 100% of Viva Air's shares to strengthen free competition and the low-cost model in South American air travel. Viva Air had filed for protection from creditors and the Colombian version of bankruptcy. The airline has 90 days to restructure its debts and achieve permanence in the market. JetSmart believes in Colombia's growth potential and aims to contribute to its development and connectivity with its model.

Chinese state-controlled companies have been awarded key infrastructure projects in Colombia and are looking to expand their presence. This has come as a result of trade agreements between Bogota and Beijing between 2008 and 2019 and China's growing imperial ambitions. These projects were facilitated with the help of local elites and former Colombian President Ivan Duque following his visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019. Since then, foreign investment from China has skyrocketed and many Chinese workers have come to Colombia to work on these projects. The extent to which Chinese state companies have control over Colombia's critical infrastructure remains shrouded in secrecy. The Chinese Small and Medium Business Corporation (CVCC) is planning to make Colombia "the first Chinese warehouse in America" through its Sol de Oriente project, which includes a tax-free trade zone with 25,000 warehouses, a seaport, and an airport on the Caribbean coast. The project would also aim to offer "international education" teaching locals Mandarin. This is the latest of four port construction proposals in Uraba, which has access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Three of these Chinese-backed projects are yet to be approved.

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El Tribunal de Justicia Especial para la Paz (JEP) ha imputado a 39 oficiales del Ejército colombiano, incluidos cuatro generales, por su participación en los asesinatos extrajudiciales de 442 civiles en Antioquia entre 2004 y 2007. Estos asesinatos fueron impulsados por una "política de conteo de cuerpos", que incentivaba a los soldados a presentar a civiles como guerrilleros abatidos en combate.

Según la JEP, los comandantes habrían ignorado las denuncias sobre estos crímenes, justificándolos como estrategias de la guerrilla. Además, el tribunal destacó que estas ejecuciones ocurrieron después de que los grupos guerrilleros fueran estratégicamente derrotados y las organizaciones paramilitares se desmovilizaran. Muchas de las víctimas fueron engañadas con falsas promesas de trabajo o identificadas a través de la colaboración con paramilitares.

La JEP enfatizó que estas acciones violaron las directrices gubernamentales y militares vigentes. Los oficiales imputados ahora tienen la opción de aceptar los cargos y participar en el sistema de justicia restaurativa de la JEP o enfrentar penas de prisión.

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Colombia's war crimes tribunal (JEP) has indicted 39 army officials, including four generals, for their involvement in the extrajudicial killings of 442 civilians in Antioquia between 2004 and 2007. These killings were driven by a "body count policy" that incentivised soldiers to present civilians as guerrillas killed in combat. Commanders allegedly dismissed complaints about the killings, attributing them to guerrilla tactics The JEP highlighted that these executions occurred after guerrilla groups were strategically defeated, and paramilitary groups demobilised, with victims often lured with false promises of work or identified through cooperation with paramilitaries. The JEP stressed these actions violated existing government and military directives. Indicted officials now have the choice to accept the charges and participate in the JEP’s restorative justice system or face imprisonment.

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We examine Colombia's neutral stance three years into the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite officially remaining neutral under President Petro, the piece highlights the historical context of initial condemnation under previous leadership. It notes that approximately 2,000 Colombian mercenaries are fighting for Ukraine, often driven by economic hardship. The article acknowledges Petro's call for peaceful resolution but also mentions his criticism of Russia in specific circumstances, like civilian attacks. The piece concludes by emphasising the difficult situation of ex-military personnel in Colombia who take up mercenary work. Colombia has offered diplomatic resources to enable a “just peace” between the parties.

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The trial of former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has resumed after a court rejected a defence request to remove the judge. Uribe is accused of fabricating charges against individuals who linked him to the AUC paramilitary group, allegedly using bribed witnesses. Evidence suggests Uribe's defence team attempted to delay proceedings and were held in contempt of court. Testimony includes claims that Uribe and his brother were involved in creating the "Bloque Metro" death squad with Medellin Cartel associates. The trial, which began in 2018, was moved to a lower court after Uribe resigned from the Senate. Uribe maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to fraud and bribery charges.

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Feb 10, 2025: Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, has created upheaval within his government by requesting the resignation of his entire cabinet. This request follows public criticism of his ministers' performance and disagreements over recent appointments, including Laura Sarabia as foreign minister. Tensions were already high due to Petro's standoff with US President Donald Trump regarding migrant deportations, and the naming of Armando Benedetti. Several ministers, including those of Labour and Environment, have already resigned amid the escalating crisis. The situation is further complicated by allegations of corruption and misconduct against some appointees. The political turmoil may affect Colombia's future on many levels.

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Estas son las principales noticias de Colombia del lunes 10 de abril de 2023.

El volcán Nevado del Ruiz en Colombia, responsable de uno de los mayores desastres en el hemisferio occidental, está mostrando signos de actividad aumentada. Los expertos han detectado un enjambre sísmico no visto desde la erupción de los años 80 que mató al menos a 25,000 personas. El gobierno colombiano ha emitido evacuaciones en la zona de impacto potencial y ha elevado el nivel de alerta a naranja, el segundo más alto en una escala de cuatro etapas. Se estima que 57,000 personas viven en municipios cercanos al volcán. La última erupción importante ocurrió en 1985, matando a miles de personas. El Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos recuerda que "tristemente, los lahares llegaron a Armero aproximadamente dos horas después de la erupción, tiempo suficiente para que las personas hubieran evacuado a tierras más altas si se les hubiera notificado más rápidamente".

Ha estallado la controversia en Colombia después de que la actriz de películas para adultos Katty Blake publicara un video de ella misma realizando un acto sexual en público en la Roca de Guatapé. El hito natural de 220 metros de altura es considerado un tesoro nacional y La Piedra, el centro turístico que gestiona el sitio, ha prometido emprender acciones legales contra todos los involucrados en el video. El incidente desató la indignación nacional y generó una amplia cobertura mediática en Colombia. Blake y su pareja Zac, quien filmó el video, podrían enfrentar problemas legales, y los residentes de Guatapé, el pueblo cerca de la roca, están particularmente indignados, ya que han experimentado incidentes similares de indecencia pública en los últimos tiempos.

Colombia ha lanzado una nueva visa de nómada digital, convirtiéndose en una de las opciones más accesibles para los trabajadores remotos que buscan un lugar asequible para vivir. La visa permitirá a los solicitantes exitosos permanecer en el país por hasta dos años, en comparación con el límite de 90 días para los estadounidenses sin visa. Los solicitantes deberán mostrar prueba de empleo o autoempleo y ganancias de al menos 655 dólares estadounidenses al mes, así como prueba de seguro de salud. La cultura vibrante, los paisajes diversos y el bajo costo de vida de Colombia han atraído desde hace mucho tiempo a los nómadas digitales, convirtiendo esta visa en una excelente opción para aquellos que buscan una estadía a largo plazo.

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