Stories from Colombia

Colombian presidential candidate Paloma Valencia reported receiving threats from illegal armed structures. The information was reportedly delivered directly to her by high-ranking national government officials. Ombudsman Iris Marín described the threats against the Centro Democrático candidate as very grave. Valencia made these statements while in La Dorada, Caldas. The source did not specify the exact location or the nature of the groups' activities.

Miroslav Genka, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN verification mission in Colombia, condemned a wave of violent attacks in the southwest of the country. The statement addresses recent escalations of violence in the region. No specific casualty numbers or specific dates for the attacks were provided in the report. Funerals were held for 13 victims of a Saturday bomb attack on a bus on the Pan American Highway in the Cajibillo municipality of southwestern Colombia. The deceased included nine women and four men, primarily identified as local farmers and leaders. The attack occurred in the Cauca region.

Juliana Guerrero attended the ceremony in her capacity as the presidential representative to the Superior Council. Guerrero occupied a prominent position at the main table during the event. The rector's installation took place in Valledupar, Colombia.

Governor Francisca Toro announced an investment exceeding 120,000 million pesos to modernize video surveillance systems. The funds will connect various municipalities to a central emergency control and security center. The initiative includes installing cameras in both municipalities and specific locations to improve regional monitoring. This announcement follows US travel alerts for southern departments of Colombia.

The United States has issued a travel alert for Colombia due to recent violent incidents. The alert specifically advises citizens to avoid certain areas, including Cali. The warning follows complex security situations in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca departments. These regions have experienced multiple violent events in recent hours. Recent violence includes vehicle burnings in Dagua, Valle del Cauca.

An Invamer poll for Blue Radio and Noticias Caracol reveals a highly polarized Colombian political landscape. Sergio Fajardo leads the group with 2.5% support. Other candidates include Santiago Botero at 1.4%, Carlos Caicedo at 2.0%, and Luis Gilberto Morillo at 0.4%. Several other individuals, including Mauricio Liscano, Miguel Uribe León, and Roy Barreras, each hold 0.4% or less of the vote. Sergio Fajardo currently holds 2.5% of the intention to vote, following a 2018 performance where he reached the second round. Claudia López recorded 4.6 million votes, representing 23.78% in previous cycles, while other candidates like Santiago Botero and Carlos Caicedo hold minimal percentages. The Green party recently announced an alliance with Imán Cepeda despite internal dissent from congressmen such as Katty Jubina and Jota Fernández.

The Bogota Water and Sewerage Company will install a 1.5-meter diameter anti-seismic valve to prevent damage during earthquakes. Water service cuts are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 29. The installation is intended to protect infrastructure in the event of seismic activity. The project involves a valve designed for rapid activation during tremors. Hundreds of neighborhoods in Bogota will experience water outages for 34 hours starting Wednesday, April 29. The Ministry of Water stated that service is expected to be restored during the early morning of Friday, May 1. The water company has announced the availability of water tankers via Line 116 to assist affected areas. The utility provider, Emater, has announced that water tankers will be available via Line 116 to assist affected residents.

President Gustavo Petro has issued a directive stating he will be the only spokesperson for the Colombian government. Observers note the move follows periods of perceived distance and internal technical team disputes. The decision follows previous instances of administrative control issues within the administration. Under the new rule, ministers may only speak on their respective portfolios with express prior authorization from the President. This move restricts ministers from addressing public crises or current events without presidential approval. This move follows reports of information being released through intermediaries in response to complaints. Colombian President Gustavo Petro signed a new directive ordering ministers and department directors to avoid making media statements without his direct authorization.

Milicoma, the parent company of TIGO, has confirmed the acquisition of the remaining 32.5% of Colombia Telecomunicaciones (Coltel) from the state. This consolidation grants Milicoma total control of the company. The operation involved over 1.108 billion shares in the second phase of a public divestment program, valued at 856 million.

Critics argue that Colombia's 'Total Peace' policy has only led to the strengthening of violent groups and the weakening of public forces. There is skepticism regarding President Petro's alleged lack of involvement in the intelligence system's failures. It is questioned how Petro could be unaware of the public relationships between General Huerta and Wilmer Mejía and Calarca, suggesting he may have protected and publicly defended them.