Stories from Colombia

Tolima Governor Adriana Matiz reported that health insurance providers (EPS) owe 964 billion pesos to public hospitals in the department. The debt involves obligations from March and April of this year. Affected users are being advised to contact their EPS to identify alternative medical centers within the municipality. The governor made these claims during a tour of the Tolima municipality. The governor's announcement follows a tour of the municipality to address the financial obligations of these institutions. The Administrative Tribunal of Tolima issued a precautionary measure ordering EPS providers to settle debts owed to the department. The debt to the Republic is reported to be approximately 964 billion pesos. This financial situation is described as critical and poses a risk to the lives of residents in Tolima.

The Superior Court of Bucaramanga confirmed a condition regarding 7,837 potential false positive cases reported by the JEP. A court decision has ratified a first-instance ruling maintaining sanctions against a former mayor and other former officials and contractors.

Paloma Valencia of the Centro Democrático party celebrated the Council of State's decision to suspend a government decree. The suspended decree ordered the transfer of 25 trillion pesos from private pension fund administrators to Colpensiones.

A hearing regarding the risk management of former ministers Ricardo Bonilla and Luis has been postponed. The defense for Luis requested the delay of the proceeding originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 29. Magistrate Almagertrudis Chamat Lozano will preside over the rescheduled hearing. The rescheduled proceeding will be presided over by Magistrate Magertrudis Chamat Lozano.

Remittances sent by Colombians living abroad totaled more than $1.225 billion in March. This figure represents the highest monthly record for which evidence exists. Total remittances for the first three months of the year reached $3.346 billion. The source noted that these inflows continue to consolidate as a primary source of visas for the national economy. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo stated that the current administration has made the largest investment in health in the country's history. The minister cited a budget of $1.5 million for these health initiatives. The announcement was made during a Council of Ministers meeting at the Casa de la Nariño. Colombian exports totaled 5.315 billion dollars in March 2026. This figure represents a 20.9% increase compared to March of the previous year. The growth was driven by increased sales in the fuel and mining-energy sectors.

An explosive attack was recently recorded in Santander de Quilichao, located in the northern part of the Cauca department. The incident occurred at a police station, according to the report. No specific casualties or immediate consequences were detailed in the broadcast. This follows a series of terrorist events in the Valle and Cauca departments. Pope Leo XIV issued a message expressing concern regarding the ongoing violence in Colombia.

The Bogota Chamber of Commerce and Bavaria have opened 4,000 slots intended to strengthen local business or training initiatives. The practical and flexible training covers digital sales and digitalization. The program is being conducted in alliance with Haku, On Going, and the EAFIT University Entrepreneurship Center. Micro-entrepreneurs can participate at their own pace, including via WhatsApp.

A meeting was held in Santa Marta to discuss how the country can begin transitioning to clean energy. The summit was organized specifically to bypass the consensus principle that has slowed progress on fossil fuel issues in recent years. No final declaration or formal agreement was reached during the event. Scientists suggest that market forces alone will not achieve diversification and that governments must plan for it. The transition requires addressing how to replace revenues currently generated by fossil energy sources. The process involves planning for the reconversion of workers to ensure a just transition. The event was launched by Colombia and the Netherlands. More than 400, potentially up to 500, international scientists gathered in Santa Marta for the first two days of a conference.

Radio Nacional de Colombia reported that actions are being prepared in Ecuador to destabilize the electoral process in Colombia. No specific actors or timelines for the alleged actions were provided in the broadcast. The Cuban government is reportedly preparing actions to destabilize the electoral process in Colombia, according to Radio Rebelde. Anonymous Ecuadorian sources suggest the Ecuadorian government is involved in a suspected self-attack plot against President Daniel Noboa to incriminate Colombia. Images have circulated showing President Noboa meeting with former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, though the topics of their meeting remain unknown. Investigations are reportedly ongoing regarding the nature of these interactions. President Gustavo Petro stated that munitions for attacks against Colombian fronts in Cauca are being provided by a transnational mafia confederation.

The Nuevo Cauca concession, which is building a dual carriageway between Popayán and Santander de Quilichao, has temporarily suspended works on a specific section. The agency stated work will not resume until security conditions for personnel and execution are guaranteed. The project is described as for connectivity in the southwest region. The general manager of the road concession, Julián Antonio Navarro, requested authorities address violence in the corridor affecting the project. Work was suspended to protect workers. The Pichincha battalion was attacked last Friday. Terrorist activity has been impacting mobility in the Cauca department and the city of Cali. The source noted a complex terrorist offensive occurring over the last year in areas including Corinto and Caloto. The national government has reportedly made decisions to strengthen security in response.