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Diplomatic Rift Deepens As US And Colombia Recall Ambassadors Amid Tensions

July 4, 2025, 2:26 am

United States recalled its highest-ranking diplomat in Colombia as tensions between the two nations increase, with Bogota following suit on Thursday. US State Department said on Thursday it recalled Charge d’Affaires ad interim John McNamara “for urgent consultations” in response to what it termed “baseless and reprehensible statements” issued by high-ranking Colombian government officials.

Though the State Department would not say what comments had led to the move, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Washington also had “other measures” in mind to convey its unhappiness with the existing level of bilateral relations.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded by saying he would be bringing back Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Peña for consultations over the two countries diplomatic agenda. Petro noted that there was a need to revisit shared priorities such as climate change, counter-narcotics cooperation, and migration policy.

The diplomatic fallout comes on the heels of a series of recent flashpoints between Colombia and the Trump administration. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, last month attributed Colombian leadership with blame for the attempted assassination of opposition Senator Miguel Uribe, labeling it the result of “violent leftist rhetoric.”

Uribe is in critical condition after undergoing a number of surgeries.

Tensions also erupted earlier in the year when Colombia rejected US military aircraft carrying deported migrants. President Trump retaliated by issuing a threat to impose tariffs and sanctions. The confrontation was ultimately resolved, but the incident further strained ties.

Petro had also forcefully protested against the deportation flights, saying he would never carry out such operations, but highlighting a stark contrast with those of the Nazis on social media.

In spite of increasing tensions, Colombia is a key US ally in the region. Colombia’s top trade partner is the US, with trade valued at $33.8 billion in 2023, helped by a 2006 free trade agreement.

Outgoing Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia confirmed that she remains in touch with Washington until a successor is appointed.

Colombia Violence: At Least Four Dead in Latest Attacks, Say Local Reports

June 11, 2025, 2:52 am

At least four individuals have lost their lives in a series of bomb and gun attacks in south-western Colombia, local reports say.

Two officers from the police force were reported to be killed in the attacks, which targeted Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, as well as a number of surrounding towns.

Explosives and Drones Used in Coordinated Strikes

Car bombs, motorbike bombs, rifle fire and an alleged drone were said to have been employed to attack police stations, town halls and civilian targets as a deepening security crisis continues to hold the South American nation in its grip.

Some of the attacks have been linked by local media to a group within the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a former dominant guerrilla organization.

Several individuals have been injured in the attacks, although it is not yet certain how many dead and injured there are.

Government Responds to Wave of Violence in Colombia

Posting on social media, the Colombian Ministry of Defence issued a statement claiming 19 attacks had occurred in the south west of the country.

There were 12 attacks in the Cauca area and seven in the Valle del Cauca area, the ministry stated.

The ministry described the violence as “a desperate reaction by illegal armed groups to the massive operations of the [military and police], which have devastated their illicit structures and economies”.

Context: Political Tensions and Regional Unrest

The violence occurs days after the attempted assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in the capital city, Bogota, during which he was addressing supporters.

The region’s largest city, Cali, has been returned to 1989, when it was plagued by the drugs trade and violence from cartels, its mayor said.

Powerful 6.5 Quake Jolts Colombia: Sudden Tremor Sparks Panic And Uncertainty

June 9, 2025, 3:12 am

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale struck Colombia on Sunday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The earthquake happened at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), amplifying its possible effects at the epicenter location.

No casualties or damage were reported immediately, and authorities are still on high alert to monitor the situation. Shallow earthquakes tend to be more damaging, and local authorities have been assessing the condition of infrastructure and safety.

GFZ is continuously monitoring aftershocks and associated seismic activity. Emergency responders are on standby as news about the impact of the quake keeps coming in.

Nude Clip Accidentally Gets Played During Ex-Colombian President Trial

March 11, 2025, 2:36 pm

In a startling turn of events during the trial of former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, a courtroom was thrown into disarray when prosecutor Marlene Orjuela mistakenly played a video that had no relevance to the case. The blunder, captured on CCTV, quickly became the subject of laughter among court attendees, including victims’ attorneys.

The Incident Unfolds

During the proceedings, Orjuela initially showed a video featuring a dwarf dancing while holding a liquor can. Moments later, an AI-altered clip of a naked woman unexpectedly appeared on the screen. Realizing her error, Orjuela promptly stopped the video and apologized, explaining that the wrong file had been selected in place of the intended recorded phone calls related to Uribe’s case.

“Your Honour, my apologies. We intended to present all the material [sent by Diego Cadena], but we did not anticipate this happening,” she said. Her colleague, Luz Mireya Lopez, added that there were a total of 57 video and audio files meant to be submitted as evidence.

Reaction in the Courtroom

The accidental broadcast left the courtroom in a state of uproar. As laughter broke out among those present, including some of the victims’ legal representatives, Orjuela struggled to maintain her composure while offering further apologies for the mishap. Throughout the incident, former President Uribe maintained a stoic silence.

Trial Context and Charges

Álvaro Uribe, now 71, faces serious allegations including witness tampering and bribery. He is accused of offering cash and other incentives to witnesses in an effort to discredit a political rival investigating his family’s alleged links to right-wing paramilitary groups. If convicted of bribery and procedural fraud, Uribe could face up to 12 years in prison, with an additional eight years for procedural fraud. Uribe has denied all charges, accusing Colombia’s chief prosecutor’s office of pursuing political vengeance.

ELN Threatens ‘Total War’: Colombia’s Leftist Guerrilla Battles Gov’t Crackdown

March 10, 2025, 11:08 am

Commanders from the National Liberation Army (ELN) have declared their intention to fight back against a government military offensive in northeastern Colombia, signaling a sharp departure from President Gustavo Petro’s promised “total peace” strategy. The announcement comes amid renewed clashes in the Catatumbo border region that have displaced tens of thousands and resulted in significant casualties.

Resisting the Government Offensive

ELN commanders warned that President Petro’s “total peace” plan is unraveling into what they described as “total war.” “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that,” said Ricardo, a leader on the ELN’s northeastern front. He added that if government forces continue to intensify their presence, the guerrilla group is ready to confront them in defense of their territory.

Escalation in the Catatumbo Region

Violence in the Catatumbo area has surged since January, with clashes between the ELN and a rival armed group resulting in at least 76 deaths and nearly 56,000 people displaced, according to government figures. In response to the escalating conflict, President Petro has declared a state of emergency and deployed 10,000 troops in an effort to regain control of this volatile region.

The Battle Over Cocaine Trafficking Routes

A significant factor fueling the conflict is the struggle for dominance over lucrative cocaine trafficking routes that funnel drugs into Venezuela. The ELN’s stronghold serves as a crucial production hub for coca, the raw material for cocaine, and a key gateway to the Caribbean coast. While authorities have accused the ELN of collaborating with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, the group denies direct involvement in drug trafficking, claiming instead that it imposes “taxes” on local cocaine production to finance its operations.

Implications for Colombia’s Peace Process

The recent surge in violence poses a serious challenge to the peace process that began with the 2016 accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Critics argue that leniency towards dissident factions has allowed these groups to regroup and expand their criminal enterprises, thereby undermining the government’s efforts to negotiate with remaining armed organizations. The ELN’s renewed resistance highlights the fragility of Colombia’s security landscape and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation.

As both government forces and insurgent groups brace for an extended confrontation in one of Colombia’s most unstable regions, the future of President Petro’s “total peace” initiative remains uncertain. With tensions mounting over contested territories and the strategic control of drug trafficking routes, Colombia faces a precarious balance between pursuing peace and confronting persistent insurgency.

US Suspends Hundreds of Visa Appointments in Colombia Due to Deportation Flight Controversy

January 28, 2025, 5:02 am

Visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia were canceled on Monday following a dispute over deportation flights from the U.S. that nearly escalated into a costly trade war between the two nations. Dozens of Colombians arrived at the embassy in Bogotá, only to be handed letters from local staff informing them that their appointments had been canceled “due to the Colombian government’s refusal to accept repatriation flights of Colombian nationals” over the weekend.

Later on Monday, Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that the government was sending a Colombian Air Force plane to San Diego to pick up a group of Colombians who had been on a deportation flight that was denied landing on Sunday morning.

In Colombia, as with most non-U.S. citizens, a visa is required to visit the United States for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, it can take up to two years to secure a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy in Bogotá, which has also been handling visa applications from neighboring Venezuela for several years. Those whose appointments were canceled on Monday will likely face several months of delay before rescheduling, causing frustration among many. “President Petro did not represent our interests,” said Elio Camelo, a U.S. visa applicant from the city of Cali who had traveled to Bogotá for his appointment.

“There is a lot of uncertainty now over what will happen next,” said Mauricio Manrique, who had his Monday morning appointment canceled. He had traveled from Popayán, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) south of Bogotá, for his appointment.

Tensions between Colombia and the United States escalated on Sunday after President Gustavo Petro posted an early morning message on X, announcing that he would not allow two U.S. Air Force planes carrying Colombian deportees to land in the country. Petro also shared a video showing another group of deportees allegedly arriving in Brazil with shackles on their legs. He stated that Colombia would only accept deportation flights once the U.S. established protocols to ensure the “dignified treatment” of expelled migrants.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, calling for 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian exports to the United States. He also threatened to revoke U.S. visas for Colombian government officials and implement enhanced customs inspections on goods coming from the South American nation.

Meanwhile, the State Department announced on Sunday that it would stop issuing visas to Colombian nationals until deportation flights resumed.

The situation de-escalated on Sunday night following negotiations between the two countries, with the White House stating that Colombia had agreed to resume deportation flights and “agreed to all of President Trump’s terms,” including the arrival of deportees on military flights. Last year, Colombia accepted 124 deportation flights, all chartered by U.S. government contractors.

The White House confirmed that the proposed tariffs on Colombian exports would be put on hold, but added that visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs inspections would remain “until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”

The State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on the resumption of visa appointments.

According to a report by Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, more than 1.6 million Colombians traveled to the U.S. legally last year, making the United States the top destination for Colombians traveling abroad.

Colombia Blocks U.S. Military Deportation Flights Amid Protests

January 26, 2025, 11:00 pm

WASHINGTON/BOGOTÁ: Colombia has turned away two U.S. military aircraft carrying migrants being deported as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the move, calling it an unjust treatment of migrants.

In a statement on social media platform X, Petro asserted, “The U.S. cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals.” He emphasized that deported Colombians would be welcomed back on civilian flights, ensuring dignity and respect. Petro also pointed out that 15,660 Americans in Colombia lack proper immigration status, adding weight to his critique of U.S. immigration practices.

Broader Latin American Reactions

This is the second instance of a Latin American country rejecting U.S. military deportation flights. Just last week, Mexico refused to allow a U.S. military plane carrying deported migrants to land.

Brazil has also criticized the U.S.’s deportation methods. On Saturday, Brazil’s foreign ministry condemned the “degrading treatment” of its citizens deported from the U.S. A commercial charter flight carrying 88 Brazilian deportees, 16 U.S. security agents, and eight crew members arrived with reports of mistreatment during the flight.

Upon landing in Belo Horizonte, Brazilian authorities demanded the removal of handcuffs from the deportees and facilitated their onward travel using a Brazilian Air Force flight.

The Role of U.S. Military Aircraft in Deportations

The deployment of U.S. military aircraft for deportation purposes follows Trump’s recent national emergency declaration on immigration. While military planes have been used for relocations in the past—such as during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal—this marks a rare case of their use for deporting migrants.

Two such flights carrying 80 migrants each were sent to Guatemala on Friday. However, the practice is now drawing increasing resistance across Latin America, with nations like Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil voicing strong opposition.

Implications of Growing Criticism

The backlash highlights a broader Latin American dissatisfaction with U.S. immigration policies, particularly under Trump’s administration. Petro’s emphasis on human dignity and mutual respect has resonated across the region, further challenging the U.S.’s approach to mass deportations.

As more countries push back, the U.S. may face increasing diplomatic challenges in enforcing its immigration policies using military resources.

Colombia Conflict Escalates: Over 80 Dead, Thousands Displaced as 2022 Ceasefire Crumbles

January 23, 2025, 4:20 pm

In Colombia, over 80 individuals have been killed and around 32,000 displaced due to a series of attacks by guerrilla groups, particularly the National Liberation Army (ELN). This violence led the government, under President Gustavo Petro, to reactivate arrest warrants for 31 ELN leaders. The ELN, a left-wing militia with about 5,800 members, is heavily involved in illicit drug trafficking.

The group has been accused of launching multiple assaults on rival militias in the country’s border region with Venezuela, which is notorious for its lawlessness. The Colombian government and the United Nations have reported that the attacks have caused numerous fatalities, kidnappings, and displacements.

In response, Petro declared a state of emergency, paused peace negotiations, and sent 5,000 soldiers to the region. Despite his firm stance on taking action against the ELN, the military’s presence in rebel-controlled areas has been limited to establishing observation points and conducting urban patrols.

The violence has stirred memories of Colombia’s long-standing civil war, which claimed up to 450,000 lives over six decades. Public sentiment in Colombia leans against continuing peace talks with the ELN, with polls showing concerns about the group’s security strategy.

While rooted in leftist ideology, the ELN is also one of the biggest players in the global cocaine trade and engages in extortion, kidnapping, and smuggling. Colombian Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo explained that the ELN’s goal in the attacks was to seize control of the border area to secure “criminal incomes.”

Petro, who was once a member of a leftist guerrilla group, has spent years attempting to bring the ELN and other factions to the negotiating table. However, the latest ELN offensive has dashed hopes for peace, revealing the group’s unwillingness to disarm after several failed ceasefires and peace talks.

Colombian Rebel Clashes Leave 20 Dead In Fight Over Strategic Drug Trafficking Zone

January 21, 2025, 2:32 am

At least 20 combatants from rival factions of Colombian rebels died over the weekend in clashes over control of a strategic jungle region used for drug trafficking, military and human rights sources confirmed on Monday. The violence erupted in the southeastern Guaviare jungle involving rival factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

This was when the tensions soared high as the national Liberation Army attacked in the north eastern region of Catatumbo, with reports killing at least 80, leaving 11,000 people homeless.

The Human Rights Ombudsman has reported the highest casualty numbers yet in this fighting, the group stated, “Many dead and wounded” were reported, the army even confirmed that the rebels had lost at least 20 men.

There are actually two groups with FARC now clashing in Guaviare, there is a sector currently in the peace process with Gustavo Petro’s administration, whereas another group went on with a continued armed clash since a bilateral ceasefire was called off in April.

There has been one continuous armed clash for more than sixty years, mostly induced by drug trading and illegal mining in Colombia; the total loss in lives mounts to more than 450,000 and displaced millions.

Violence Erupts In Colombia’s Cocaine Hub Leading To 80 Dead, Thousands Displaced

January 20, 2025, 3:02 am

At least 80 have been reported dead, while thousands of others have been displaced by a renewed outbreak of violence in Colombia’s northeastern Catatumbo region. The clash started after an already fragile truce had broken between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident fractions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Violence has surged since Thursday, which forced around 5,000 individuals to abandon their homes and seek refuge in converted shelters at schools.

Governor William Villamizar of Norte de Santander confirmed the dire situation by requesting emergency humanitarian assistance for the region. It has resulted in many civilian casualties, dozens wounded, and kidnapping at least 20 people including 10 women. The hardest hit municipality, which is Tibu, situated at the core of the conflict, has witnessed approximately 3,000 internally displaced residents.

Local authorities described heartbreaking scenes of families fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs, leaving behind children, elderly family members, and their homes. “We can’t even give the victims a dignified burial due to ongoing violence,” said Mayor Richar Claro. The clashes have also resulted in the deaths of a local community leader and several ex-rebel fighters who had laid down arms in the 2016 peace agreement.

The administration of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who took office promising “total peace,” has been unable to stem the violence in regions such as Catatumbo. The latest developments are likely to undermine Petro’s peace strategy, as the increase in violence will end any chances of fruitful negotiations with the ELN.

The Doll: Colombia’s ‘Most Feared’ Hitwoman Linked to High-Profile Murders Booked

December 6, 2024, 4:15 pm

Karen Julieth Ojeda Rodriguez is a 23-year-old known as “La Muneca” or “The Doll.” She was arrested over her involvement in several high-profile murders in Colombia. Apparently, she committed these murders in Barrancabermeja, working for the Los de la M gang.

Rodriguez has been charged with leading a hitmen gang which terrorized a rural Colombian region. Her arrest is said to follow the reported orchestration of her former boyfriend, Deyvy Jesus, murder in Piedecuesta. The lady invited him to settle a pending financial issue but was later shot dead by two men who were said to have been responding to “The Doll’s” orders.

Related to her arrest, 24-year-old Paula Valentina Joya Rueda, alias “Gorda Sicaria” (Fat Hitwoman), was taken into custody. Another accomplice by the name of “Leopoldo” was arrested.

Rodriguez, seen wearing handcuffs and dressed in a white crop top and black shorts, was shared being apprehended by the Departamento de Policía Magdalena Medio. A police post on X indicated: “A woman alias ‘La Muñeca’ and ‘Leopoldo’ was caught red-handed with a firearm.”.

Lieutenant Colonel Mauricio Herrera of the Magdalena Medio Police said in regard to the arrest, “With the capture of alias La Muneca and alias Leopoldo, a period of calm has been created in the region. These arrests mark progress in the dismantling of criminal structures responsible for the recent homicides.” Rodriguez is considered one of the most feared hitwomen in the area.

UAE Takes Part In UN Biodiversity COP16 In Colombia

November 4, 2024, 3:38 am

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to represent the UAE at the UN Biodiversity COP16 in Cali, Colombia. The Conference of Parties, running from October 21 to November 1, 2024, marks two years of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to establish a path toward a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

Discussing the significance of COP16 and the UAE’s commitment to biodiversity, Dr. Al Dahak stated, “Biodiversity runs through every element of our climate action. In the UAE, we have made significant progress in protecting our biodiversity. We have adopted a 360-degree, whole of society approach from enacting legislation and monitoring its implementation, establishing and expanding protected areas as well as protecting, breeding and reintroducing endangered species into their natural habitats.”

Dr. Al Dahak participated in an Informal Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Local Governments for Biodiversity of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In her speech, she highlighted the UAE’s efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity, urging member states to strengthen their commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework and emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative action.

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Highlighting the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, Dr. Al Dahak underscored the essential role of collaboration in addressing climate challenges. She elaborated on the UAE’s domestic initiatives, such as the pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 and the Plant the Emirates National Programme.

In another engagement, Dr. Al Dahak participated in a discussion about Advancing the Marine Conservation Breakthroughs: Connecting Global Action to Scale Nature-Based Solutions. She shared insights into the UAE’s commitment to marine conservation, discussing policy frameworks, national strategies, and innovative financing mechanisms aimed at boosting underwater life. She reiterated the importance of global cooperation in protecting oceans and marine ecosystems.

Dr. Al Dahak addressed the UAE’s achievements in meeting Marine Conservation Breakthrough targets and enhancing marine biodiversity as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Additionally, Dr. Al Dahak attended the One Water Summit: Ministerial Event on Freshwater Ecosystems, where she participated in a panel discussion focused on the significance of freshwater in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. She elaborated on the COP28 Water Agenda, which prioritizes the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems, enhancing urban water resilience, and bolstering water-resilient food systems. She also highlighted the Freshwater Challenge, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and the UAE’s commitment of US$150 million in new funding for water security solutions in fragile communities.

Dr. Al Dahak detailed the UAE’s Water Security Strategy, emphasizing the nation’s leadership in desalination, wastewater treatment, and smart irrigation systems. She stressed that collaborative efforts to unlock financing and foster innovative solutions are essential for addressing global water challenges.

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The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment participated in various engagements at COP16 to showcase the UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the country’s progress in achieving its biodiversity goals aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The MOCCAE delegation highlighted the UAE’s achievements in identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and showcased unique sites that significantly contribute to global and regional conservation efforts. They shared insights on the nation’s initiatives for conserving freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing collaboration across international agreements and the vital role of sustainable water management in enhancing regional biodiversity resilience.

As part of the Freshwater Challenge, the UAE committed to restoring freshwater ecosystems and wetlands and presented ambitious freshwater ecosystem restoration goals, which will be highlighted at the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference.

COP16 also saw notable advancements in mangrove conservation. The second technical meeting of the UAE’s Mangroves Alliance for Climate (MAC) partnership with Indonesia took place in Colombia on October 23. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment chaired this meeting, presenting a comprehensive overview of the proposed Mangrove Alliance for Climate Strategy 2031 to MAC members. Participants discussed key objectives of the strategy and shared progress, seeking feedback to refine the final document, which will be introduced at COP29.

The meeting featured contributions from representatives of Bahrain, Chile, France, Oman, Maldives, Philippines, Japan, and the UK, who discussed their challenges and priorities while making recommendations for enhanced support for mangrove conservation.

The UAE shared engagement strategies, including surveys, webinars, workshops, and direct communication with the MAC secretariat, to boost participation ahead of COP29. These efforts underscored the UAE’s dedication to climate resilience, actionable conservation targets, and its commitment to fostering peer-to-peer learning in the protection of natural ecosystems.

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Global Witness Report: Environmental Defenders Face Death Threats, 196 Killed In 2023

September 10, 2024, 2:35 pm

In 2023, at least 196 environmental defenders were killed worldwide, with over a third of these deaths occurring in Colombia, according to a new report by the NGO Global Witness. The figures highlight the perilous conditions faced by those protecting natural resources and ecosystems.

Global Patterns and Key Findings

The report reveals that environmental defenders were killed at an alarming rate of one every other day last year. The most dangerous countries for these activists were Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Honduras, which together accounted for over 70% of the global total. Mining emerged as the leading cause of these deaths, with 25 killings linked to the industry.

Laura Furones, lead author of the report, condemned the ongoing violence, stating, “As the climate crisis accelerates, those defending our planet face increasing violence and intimidation. The persistently high number of killings is unacceptable.”

The report also notes that 43% of those killed were from Indigenous communities, and nearly 90% were men. Since Global Witness began documenting these incidents in 2012, the total number of recorded killings has reached 2,106.

Colombian Government’s Response and International Calls

Despite Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s promises to tackle violence against environmental defenders, the report indicates little progress in curbing the violence. The majority of killings occurred in southwestern Colombia, an area plagued by drug trafficking and coca cultivation. The Colombian government has yet to respond to requests for comment on the report’s findings.

Global Witness has called for increased protection for environmental defenders at the upcoming Cop16 Biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, scheduled for October. The report also highlights improvements in Brazil, where killings decreased from 34 in the previous year to 25, though Indigenous communities remain disproportionately affected.

In Asia, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia were identified as the deadliest countries, with 17, 5, and 3 killings, respectively. The report also points to a troubling trend of disappearances, abductions, and criminalization of activists globally.

Nonhle Mbuthuma, a Goldman Environmental Prize winner from South Africa, emphasized the global threat faced by those exposing environmental damage. “Indigenous peoples, crucial in combating climate change, are disproportionately targeted year after year,” she said in the report’s foreword.

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Colombia Visit Itinerary Unveiled

August 16, 2024, 2:41 am

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Colombia, receiving a warm welcome as they begin their official visit on August 15. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with Vice President Francia Marquez, who had previously announced their visit. Marquez, the first Black woman to hold the VP position in Colombia, expressed her excitement about their arrival.

First Meeting and Traditions

Their first engagement was a 30-minute meeting with Vice President Marquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The couple enjoyed traditional Colombian cheese bread (pan de bono) and exchanged gifts during their visit. Marquez shared her admiration for Princess Diana and discussed their shared ideals on digital futures and mental health.

Thursday, August 15: Engaging with Youth and Experts

After meeting the Vice President, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to connect with various organizations and youth groups through their Archewell Foundation. They will also attend an Insight Session at a local school and participate in a summit with experts, activists, and community members focused on creating positive online environments.

Friday, August 16: Education and Luncheon

On their second day in Colombia, the Sussexes will address students about emotional well-being in education. They will then attend a luncheon hosted by Vice President Marquez and meet competitors from the Invictus Games, which recently welcomed Colombia as its first South American participant.

Purpose of the Visit

The visit is in preparation for the upcoming World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November. This conference will focus on creating safe physical and virtual spaces, tackling cyberbullying, online exploitation, and mental health impacts. The Archewell Foundation’s commitment to promoting safer digital environments aligns with the goals of this conference.

Additional Details

This trip marks Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s second international visit since relocating to California in 2020. It also follows the recent departure of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who left after a brief tenure.

The Sussexes’ Colombia visit highlights their ongoing efforts to address critical global issues while fostering positive change through their charitable work.

Colombian police arrests President’s son for money laundering

July 30, 2023, 11:10 am

According to Al Jazeera, the son of President Gustavo Petro of Colombia was detained on suspicion of money laundering and illegal enrichment. The investigation into the money that Nicolas Petro is alleged to have amassed during the 2016 election campaign is what led to this arrest. The chief prosecutor’s office said in a statement that Petro and his ex-wife Daysuris Vazquez were taken into custody at around 6 am (local time) on Saturday following a court order in Bogota.

The office said once produced before a judge, prosecutors would seek their provisional detention as it investigates the two over allegations of money laundering, reported Al Jazeera.
Talking about the case, President Petro said he would not interfere with the probe.
“As an individual and father, it pains me to see so much self-destruction and one of my sons going to jail,” Petro wrote on social media.
“As president of the republic, I’ve assured the chief prosecutor’s office that it will have all of the guarantees so it can proceed according to the law,” he added.

He added in a tweet that the fact that one of his sons is incarcerated and how much self-destruction hurts him as a person and a father. Additionally, he made sure that the prosecution has my full backing to proceed in accordance with the law in my capacity as President. “I send my son good fortune and courage. In a tweet, the president of Colombia wished for people to “think about their own mistakes and let these events forge their character.” Nicolas Petro’s arrest is a serious setback for the government, which has been subject to attacks from the right and has struggled to maintain bipartisan support for Colombia in the United States, a crucial ally, according to Al Jazeera.

A Japanese man who gets paid to do “nothing”

September 6, 2022, 2:49 pm

Whatever your dream job is, but nothing can be better than getting paid for doing nothing. Shoji Morimoto, a 38-year-old resident of Tokyo, gets paid to do nothing. He charges 10,000 yen (5,670 INR) per booking to accompany clients and simply exist as a companion.

Morimoto said, “Basically, I rent myself out. My job is to be wherever my clients want me to be and to do nothing in particular. ” He added that he had handled some 4,000 sessions in the past four years.

Morimoto now has a quarter of a million followers on Twitter, and most of his clients come from there. Roughly a quarter of them are repeat customers, including one who has hired him 270 times.

Some of the tasks he has done include, going to a park with a person who wanted to play on a see-saw. He has also beamed and waved through a train window at a complete stranger who wanted a send-off.

But for him, doing nothing doesn’t mean doing anything. He has also turned down many offers, like moving a fridge, going to Colombia, and many others. Also, he doesn’t accept any requests of a sexual nature.

Once, he sat with Aruna Chida, a 27-year-old data analyst in a saree, having a sparse conversation over tea and cakes.

Chida likes to wear Indian clothes but couldn’t wear them out in public with friends because she thought it could embarrass them. So she turned to Morimoto for companionship.

Earlier, before Morimoto found his true calling, he worked at a publishing company and was often chided for “doing nothing”.

He said, “I started wondering what would happen if I provided my ability to ‘do nothing’ as a service to clients.”

The companionship business is now Morimoto’s single source of income, with which he supports his wife and child. Although he declined to disclose how much he makes, he said he sees about one or two clients a day. Before the pandemic, it was three or four a day.