Colombia
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World Bank nudges up Latin America growth forecast to 2.3% but warns of skills shortage
The World Bank expects Latin America and the Caribbean’s economy to expand 2.3% in 2025, a slight uptick from 2.2% in 2024, with growth projected to reach 2.5% in 2026.
Colombia's Petro seeks criminal probe into Trump over fatal Caribbean boat attacks
Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego has urged criminal proceedings against President Donald Trump over fatal US military strikes on boats in Caribbean waters.
China rejects US "bullying" over Latin American partnerships
China has once again rejected American efforts to pressure Latin American nations into reducing ties with Beijing, with a foreign ministry spokesperson asserting the region's right to choose its own development partners independently.
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Latin America's development gains under threat as one in four live in poverty, UN report finds
UNDP warns of stagnation and rising vulnerability across the region amid "overlapping crises".
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Trump brands Colombia a narcotics pariah as cocaine production hits record highs
Colombia has been branded a narcotics pariah by the Trump administration, receiving its first "failing to cooperate" designation since 1997 as record cocaine production and deteriorating US-Colombia relations reach a breaking point.
Ban on oil extraction and legalised cocaine could save the Amazon, says Colombia’s president
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for ending petroleum extraction in the Amazon region and legalising cocaine production to preserve the world's largest tropical rainforest
Amazon bets on Rappi to take on MercadoLibre in Latam
Amazon has acquired a stake in Colombian delivery platform Rappi through a $25mn convertible note, gearing up to challenge MercadoLibre's dominance across Latin America's booming e-commerce landscape.
Colombia's WOM secures approval for $800mn restructuring
Agreement secured approval from nearly 86% of creditors with voting rights, enabling the company to avoid potential liquidation.
Turkey frees Croatian captain of coal bulk carrier found loaded with cocaine
Vessel arrived from Colombia. Turkish routes to Europe have become popular with drug-runners. Big diplomatic effort was launched to secure release of seaman.
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Foreign influencers fuel Colombia's tourism boom as revenues hit record $40bn
Colombia's pioneering digital diplomacy strategy, underpinned by a deft use of foreign social media influencers, has catalysed the nation's record-breaking tourism performance.
Colombian senator Miguel Uribe dies two months after assassination attempt
Colombian senator and right-wing presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay has died following a two-month battle to survive gunshot wounds sustained at a campaign rally.
INTERVIEW: Former US official on America's lost authority as Global South acts on Gaza
As Gaza's death toll passes 61,000, nations meeting in Bogotá pledge concrete measures to halt arms flows to Israel. Ex-US official Annelle Sheline, who resigned over Washington's Gaza policy, calls it a turning point for the Global South.
ECLAC raises Latin America growth forecast to 2.2% but warns of prolonged slowdown
The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has lifted its 2025 regional growth estimate to 2.2% from a previous 2.0% projection, whilst acknowledging that economic expansion remains constrained by global volatility
Colombia's Álvaro Uribe sentenced to 12 years house arrest
Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez was sentenced to 12 years house arrest for procedural fraud and bribery in criminal proceedings.
The most powerful quakes are in the Ring of Fire – Statista
Tsunami warnings have now been lifted across much of the Pacific following a major earthquake, which took place at 11:25 am local time on Wednesday, striking off the coast of Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.
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Mexican cartels exploit Ukraine war to acquire military drone technology
Ukrainian counterintelligence has discovered that Mexican and Colombian criminal groups have infiltrated the country's volunteer programme to acquire advanced military drone capabilities for narcotics operations.
Russia quake triggers tsunami alerts along South America's Pacific coast
A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 29 July, prompting a cascade of tsunami alerts across the Pacific, with varying responses across the region.
Colombia’s ex-president Uribe Vélez convicted of bribery, abuse of legal process
Colombia's former president Alvaro Uribe Vélez has been found guilty of witness tampering and procedural fraud, marking an unprecedented moment as the nation's first ex-leader to face criminal conviction.
COMMENT: Bogotá summit marks Global South’s legal break with the West over Gaza
At the Bogotá summit, the Global South takes charge – no longer waiting for Western permission to enforce international law. From South Africa’s ICJ case to Colombia cutting ties with Israel, countries are defying US pressure over Gaza.