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Gustavo Petro

A Venezuelan cargo truck adorned with Venezuelan flags and balloons crosses the Simon Bolivar International Bridge during a ceremony to mark the bridge's reopening to cargo trucks between Cucuta, Colombia, and San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela

Colombia and Venezuela reopen shared border after years of closure

Economics

Residents from Colombia and Venezuela turned out in large numbers last week to welcome the reopening of their shared border to vehicles. Two commercial trucks, covered with the respective flags of each country, crossed the border point, marking the end of seven years of closure.

Former rebel Gustavo Petro, his wife Veronica Alcocer and his running mate Francia Marquez celebrate before supporters after winning a runoff presidential election in Bogota, Colombia

Colombia picks 1st leftist president in tight runoff contest

Elections
president-elect Ivan Duque in Colombia give a victory speech

In Colombia, President-elect Duque faces challenges on peace, economy

Global Politics
People take photos with there phones of man standing in middle of a crowd

In the diaspora, Colombia’s presidential election is as much about the past as the future

Global Politics
Supporters cheer with the leaflets and placards ahead of the second round of presidential election in Soacha, Colombia, June 11, 2018.

Despite accord, peace in Colombia is tenuous as country heads to runoff election

Conflict & Justice
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Colombia’s FARC rebels face history in considering return to politics

Global Politics

Colombia and the leftist FARC rebels are in the midst of months of negotiations to end the struggle between the two sides. And as the negotiations wear on, some are beginning to consider what it might look like if FARC turns to politics, instead of violence. But in doing so, they must face history.

Colombia’s FARC Rebels Face Dangers in Possible Return to Politics

Global Politics

Formal talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) aim to end to the country’s civil conflict. It is the first attempt to reach a deal in a decade and huge obstacles remain.

Bogota’s new mayor proof that disarmament can work for rebel groups

Global Politics

Gustavo Petro was a Colombian guerrilla for years. He was arrested and sent to jail. But now, after he and his group laid down their arms and he joined the political process, he’s ascended to the mayorship of Colombia’s capital and largest city — often a stepping stone to the country’s presidency.

Bogota’s Ex-Guerilla Mayor

Global Politics

Bogota inaugurated a new mayor this past weekend. Gustavo Petro has an unusual pedigree. He’s a former leftist guerrilla now in charge of Colombia’s largest city.

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