Tensions between Colombia and Peru have risen following a series of incidents in the disputed area of Santa Rosa de Loreto, on the Amazon River. The latest occurred on Monday, when former Medellín mayor and presidential hopeful Daniel Quintero raised the Colombian flag on Chinería Island, territory under Peruvian control. “There is no way I will let Peru take the Amazon River from us… homeland or death,” he declared in a video posted on social media.
Add your comment!Colombian President Gustavo Petro escalated a diplomatic conflict with Peru on Thursday by accusing Lima of violating border treaties over the disputed sovereignty of Santa Rosa Island, located in the Amazon River. “Colombia does not recognize Peru’s sovereignty over the so-called Santa Rosa Island and does not recognize the de facto authorities,” Petro declared from Leticia, a Colombian border city that, for the first time, hosted the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
Add your comment!Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the National Navy to intercept and stop any ships carrying coal bound for Israel in response to what he considers to be a genocide in Gaza. Coal exports to Israel had been banned by decree in August 2024, except for pre-existing contracts. However, some government officials apparently disregarded that order.
Progressive leaders convened in Santiago de Chile Monday at the Democracy Forever event hosted by President Gabriel Boric Font, during which they concurred on the importance of strengthening multilateralism in a world facing deep uncertainty. This summit was a continuation of the In defense of democracy: fighting extremism initiative, previously held during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
The Presidents of Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, and Colombia, plus Spain's Prime Minister, are to convene on Monday in Santiago to share the so-called “Democracy Forever” event, a follow-up to a 2024 initiative focused on combating extremism. This year's agenda will cover strengthening democracy and multilateralism, reducing inequalities, as well as combating disinformation and regulating emerging technologies.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's rift with Vice President Francia Márquez became more evident Thursday during a televised cabinet meeting during which the possible appointment of former porn actress Amaranta Hank (born Alejandra Ocaña) as Minister of Equality and Equity was discussed. That position had been held by Márquez, who chose to reisgn earlier this year.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font will host a High-Level Meeting Democracy Forever Summit on July 21 at the Palacio de la Moneda in Santiago with fellow progressive Presidents Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), and Gustavo Petro (Colombia), in addition to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Laura Sarabia resigned this week as Colombia's Foreign Minister, citing differences with President Gustavo Petro in recent days. Her departure adds to a cabinet crisis that has seen over 50 ministerial changes in three years.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro filed a lawsuit Wednesday against former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva for allegedly plotting to remove him from power. The former official has been accused of treason, libel, slander, conspiracy to commit sedition, and incitement to commit a crime.
Most of South America's leftwing leaders expressed their solidarity with former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (CFK), whose 6-year prison sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court (CSJN) earlier this week.