politics La Silla Vacía
Colombia's Supreme Court sentences Centro Democrático senator to 23 years for corruption
The Colombian Supreme Court sentenced senator Ciro Ramírez of the Centro Democrático party to 23 years imprisonment for his role in the Marionetas II corruption scandal. He was convicted of aggravated conspiracy, improper bribery, and undue interest in contract awards involving at least 15 directed contracts between 2020 and 2022.
security La Silla Vacía
Military aviation disaster kills 69 personnel, exposing defense modernization gaps
A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 aircraft crashed during takeoff in Puerto Leguízamo, Putumayo, killing 69 military personnel and injuring 49 others. The aircraft carried 126 people total including soldiers and police officers, representing one of Colombia's deadliest military aviation disasters.
economy La Silla Vacía
Petro considers withdrawal from international arbitration systems
President Gustavo Petro publicly questioned international arbitration during a Centro Vida think tank presentation, citing a letter from over 200 economists including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz calling for Colombia's withdrawal from ISDS mechanisms. Petro suggested Colombia should exit investor-state dispute settlement since the United States has already done so.
security La Silla Vacía
Colombia seeks to rejoin international anti-money laundering network after suspension
Colombia's Finance Ministry drafted a decree to rejoin the Egmont Group, the international anti-money laundering intelligence network from which it was suspended in November 2024. The suspension followed President Petro's denunciation of the Pegasus spyware purchase under former president Duque, involving leaked confidential information.
politics La Silla Vacía
Historic Pact becomes dominant force in Caribbean region congressional elections
In 2026 congressional elections, Petro's Historic Pact became the top-voted party in Colombia's Caribbean region with 892,000 votes, growing 194% in Senate representation compared to 2022. The party transferred significant electoral momentum to congressional candidates in the coastal area.
economy La Silla Vacía
Ecopetrol board deadlocked over CEO's future amid corruption charges
Ecopetrol's board failed to reach consensus on CEO Ricardo Roa's tenure following influence-trafficking charges, with the union requesting his removal. A resumed vote is scheduled for March 30th.
economy El Comercio
Peru reverses Petro-Perú reorganization with $2+ billion bailout
José Balcázar government announced intention to reverse 2025 reorganization decree and provide 2+ billion USD financial rescue for Petro-Perú following negotiations with unionized workers and industry groups. Represents significant fiscal commitment to maintain state energy enterprise.
environment La Silla Vacía
Colombia approves livestock traceability law to combat deforestation
Colombia's Chamber of Representatives approved livestock traceability legislation by 91-3 vote to combat illegal cattle ranching in protected areas and deforestation zones, including Chiribiquete National Park. The law enables tracking cattle movements to identify animals raised in deforested zones.
politics Runrun.es
Venezuelan opposition leader withdraws ombudsman nomination amid controversy
Ernesto Villegas Poljak, journalist and coordinator of the Democratic Peace and Coexistence Program, withdrew his nomination as People's Defender (ombudsman) after days of public controversy. The announcement was made via Instagram on March 25.
security La Silla Vacía
Amazon corridor emerges as critical nexus of security and environmental crisis
The Caquetá-Puré corridor in Colombia's isolated Amazon frontier emerges as a critical nexus of organized crime, environmental conservation, and security risks. The region simultaneously exhibits high environmental and cultural value alongside escalating criminal activity.