Stories from Colombia

A dispute has emerged regarding a 2023 decree declaring a public calamity in a municipality due to mass movement threats at Quebrada Doña María. The mayor signed the decree to enable the National Unit for Risk Management to contract services.

In November 2023, Itaguí in Antioquia was awarded a contract worth 27,352,000,000 pesos. The funds were designated to intervene in critical points within Vereda La María and Quebrada Doña María due to mass movement threats.

The Prosperidad OIBA consortium won contracts for OIBA and Cantagallo. San D'Ariz a Villa Real also secured contracts in Chocó and Santander.

The Governor of Norte de Santander, William Villamizar, has denounced an invasion occurring in the Cúcuta free trade zone. Invaders are reportedly threatening officials to prevent their eviction from the area.

The Colombian National Army deactivated an explosive charge in the corregimiento of El Plateado, Argelia municipality, during the early morning hours. The device contained 20 kilograms of pentolite.

Caracol Radio reported that investigators have obtained most of the evidence regarding a request for over one trillion pesos made by Olmedo López to the Ministry of Finance. More than 1.103 trillion Colombian pesos in contracts were allegedly executed under a recurring scheme.

A window of opportunity created by pension reform has allowed 127,000 affiliates to transfer their pension status. Of these, 27,000 individuals already hold pensions through Colpensiones.

President Gustavo Petro announced plans to sell or divest strategic assets from Ecopetrol. This includes selling assets located in the Permian Basin in the United States. The discussion follows perspectives regarding the environmental impact of the traditional hydrocarbon business. Expert León noted that the move would be part of an effort to accelerate the energy transition. The discussion follows concerns regarding environmental crimes and climate change catastrophe. The Colombian government is planning to sell its fracking participation in the United States. This sale of the Permian asset is included in Ecopetrol's 2026 global indicative plan. The announcement was reported by Luis Enrique Hurtado. President Gustavo Petro presented a divestment plan for 2026 to the Congress of the Republic. The total value of these holdings amounts to 50 trillion pesos.

Cargo transporters report a reduction in transport within the Cauca region. This shortage results in a daily deficit of 220,000 tons of products. The government has halted the 'Centros Potencia' project, which was intended to replace populated centers.

Authorities identified 51-year-old Nuhen Gizrael Eber as a member of the Jewish community in Bogota. Eber arrived in the country in early April to participate in community events. He resided in the Niza sector near a local place of worship where he was reported missing. Witnesses reported seeing him leave his home on April 21 at approximately 9:00 PM. He was reportedly heading toward a cult site to participate in a gathering with an Orthodox community. The local community has requested assistance from the Republic's authorities. Police in Bogota discovered a person approximately 45 years of age inside a closet or wardrobe following a report. The individual does not show signs of dismemberment, according to the source. Investigations are currently being conducted by the Judicial Police of the Metropolitan Police of Bogota to establish the facts of the incident.