Stories from Colombia

Data from April 10, 2026, shows a discrepancy of 53,504 votes across 16 political organizations in the Senate. This difference represents 0.28% of the total votes, according to the National Oversight Body (MoE).

The Popayan mayor's office is facing accusations regarding delays in conducting merit-based competitions for over 407 positions. The Mayor is reportedly responsible because the required competition has not been advanced since 2024 despite the known need for it. The investigation focuses on the Mayor's failure to advance a merit-based civil service competition required since 2024. This follows an investigation by Caracol Radio's investigative unit. The report indicates that merit-based contests for public roles will occur for the first time in over twenty years. Claudia Ortiz, National Civil Service Director, and Mayor Juan Carlos Muñoz confirmed the unblocking of a merit-based hiring process in Popayan that had been stalled since 2024. The process will fill 407 positions, including 120 roles within the mayor's office and 285 within the Secretariat of Education.

The Registraduría reported that recent events in Gamarra constituted a complex situation against the electoral organization in that municipality. The report follows claims regarding potential fraud risks.

The Cancer Institute has suspended the intake of new patients from Nueva EPS due to resource flow difficulties and authorization issues. The decision follows a response from the EPS regarding the financial situation.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the financial system following a Council of State decision to suspend a decree regarding the transfer of 25 trillion pesos to Colpensiones. Petro claimed the Council of State is vetoing the transfer of Colombian citizens' savings. The remarks were made during a new council of ministers meeting. He used the decision to call for a national constituent assembly. The President also invited citizens to a national mobilization on May 1 to defend pension rights. President Petro dismissed economic projections from critics as ideological hallucinations rather than scientific data. He stated the state has had to incur new debt to fulfill existing contract obligations. Petro linked central bank decisions to political opposition sectors.

The Army Commander revealed new information regarding a brutal attack that occurred last Saturday. He stated that any link between the action and political sectors is being ruled out. The commander provided these details during a report on the incident.

Armed groups installed three explosive charges on the Villarrica bridge in the northern Cauca region, according to reports. Authorities intervened to control the situation and successfully destroyed the explosives.

Terrorist threats continue in the Cauca department of Colombia as of 7:19 PM. New public order disturbances have been recorded in the region. Communities in Cajibío and Popayán have held demonstrations to honor 20 victims of previous fatal incidents on the Pan-American highway.

The imputation of charges against Alexander Diaz Mendoza, also known as Alias Calarca, is scheduled for May 5. The hearing is expected to be conducted virtually. Prosecutors have not yet responded to requests made to President Gustavo Petro regarding the case. Colombia's Attorney General has requested May 5 as the date for the imputation hearing of Alfonso, known as Alias Calarca. Prosecutors are preparing to charge Alias Calarca with homicide, conspiracy to commit a crime, and connection to a forced disappearance. The individual is also under investigation for several war crimes occurring in various regions of the country. The prosecutor's office has contacted Oti Patiño to ensure a connection to the hearing.

Camargo responded to the President's April 27 speech, stating she never issued such an order regarding the case. The prosecutor said that the case should not be used for political purposes. The prosecutor expressed annoyance regarding public statements made about the case.