Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential 2024 presidential candidate, is in critical but stable condition after being shot twice during a campaign event in Bogota. A 15-year-old carrying a Glock pistol was apprehended by police. The attack drew widespread condemnation from Colombian officials, including President Gustavo Petro, as well as international figures, including former presidents and the US Secretary of State. Uribe, from a prominent political family with a history of violence, is a member of the center-right Democratic Center party.
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Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in the back during a Bogotá political gathering. A suspect has been apprehended following a gunfight with Uribe’s bodyguards. Uribe sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local medical center for emergency treatment. President Gustavo Petro expressed solidarity with Uribe’s family. The situation remains fluid as details continue to emerge.
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The murder of 22-year-old Colombian model and influencer Maria Jose Estupinan, shot in her home by a suspect disguised as a delivery man, has sparked outrage and comparisons to the recent killing of a Mexican influencer. Estupinan, a domestic violence survivor, was about to receive compensation for the abuse before her death. The incident underscores the alarmingly high rates of femicide in Latin America and the significant challenges faced by victims in seeking justice. The Colombian National Gender Commission is investigating, alongside authorities working on similar cases, highlighting the widespread gender-based violence throughout the country.
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Legalizing cocaine globally, argues Colombian President Petro, could easily dismantle the drug trafficking industry, comparing its potential impact to that of wine sales. He contrasts this with the fentanyl crisis, highlighting its origin in North American pharmaceutical companies and its devastating effects in the US, unlike cocaine’s primarily Colombian production. This statement comes amidst heightened tensions with the US, stemming from disputes over migrant repatriation and threats of tariffs. Record-high cocaine production in Colombia in 2023 underscores the urgency of Petro’s proposed solution.
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President Petro’s cabinet meeting, livestreamed online, featured his call to sell off a state-owned oil operation. The proceeds, he declared, would be reinvested in clean energy initiatives. This decision stems from his administration’s strong opposition to fracking, which he characterized as environmentally and humanly destructive. The sale represents a significant shift towards a cleaner energy future for the nation.
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President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has ordered the termination of Ecopetrol’s joint venture with Occidental Petroleum, citing environmental concerns related to fracking. The cancelled project, involving 91 oil wells in the Permian Basin and projected to yield approximately 90,000 barrels of oil daily, represents roughly 12% of Ecopetrol’s total production. Petro advocates for the sale of the operation and reinvestment in clean energy sources, firmly stating his opposition to fracking due to its environmental impact. While Ecopetrol’s shares initially rose following the deal announcement, they subsequently declined after Petro’s intervention.
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Following a diplomatic dispute, two flights carrying a total of 201 deported migrants arrived in Bogotá. The Colombian government initially refused entry to US military planes carrying handcuffed migrants, citing concerns over their treatment. After negotiations, a deal was reached, with Colombia accepting the deportees on Colombian aircraft, ensuring their dignified return. President Petro emphasized that migrants are not criminals but human beings seeking work and opportunity. The resolution involved a change in the mode of transport and a commitment from Colombia to accept deported citizens under humane conditions.
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Following visa revocations and deportations affecting three Colombian World Bank employees, the bank advised its Colombian staff to avoid U.S. travel. These G4 visa issues stemmed from a diplomatic dispute between the Colombian and U.S. governments concerning deportation flights. A negotiated resolution averted further sanctions, but the incident highlights potential broader disruptions for international staff amid anticipated U.S. tariff actions. The World Bank is actively working with U.S. authorities to address the situation.
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Amid a diplomatic dispute with Colombia over the deportation of Colombian migrants, former President Trump imposed retaliatory tariffs on Colombian goods after President Petro refused to accept two U.S. military deportation flights. This decision, announced while Trump played golf at his Doral resort, sparked online debate. Following a brief escalation, the crisis resolved with Colombia agreeing to accept the migrants. Trump’s use of golf courses for diplomatic engagements is highlighted, showcasing his history of conducting business and political discussions in such settings.
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In response to Colombia’s refusal to accept two US military planes carrying deported migrants, former President Trump announced the immediate imposition of 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods entering the US, escalating to 50% within a week. These tariffs, alongside travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian officials and their supporters, represent a significant escalation of the conflict. Colombian President Petro retaliated with his own 25% tariffs on US goods and criticized Trump’s treatment of migrants. The dispute highlights the strained relationship between the two countries and potential challenges to US immigration policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker