AGP Executive Report

Firearms Policy Shift: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella signed a decree ending the 2015 general suspension on carrying firearms permits, effective Sept. 9, saying law-abiding citizens were restricted while criminals kept arming illegally—while stressing strict controls remain. US-Colombia Security Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Colombia-Ecuador-Peru tour, telling reporters the US won’t mirror the UK’s West Bank settlement sanctions approach, and in Bogotá will press for stronger cooperation against cocaine trafficking and armed groups. Ballon d’Or Spotlight: The 2026 men’s shortlist was released with Colombian winger Luis Díaz among the nominees, as the ceremony heads to London on Oct. 26. Earthquake Recovery & Economy: Business leaders and the government unveiled a “Marshall Plan” style reconstruction push for Chocó after the Aug. 10 quake, with major funding pledges. Inflation Watch: Grupo Cibest estimates Colombia’s food inflation hit 5.7% in August, driven by shocks to perishable supplies amid El Niño and recent disasters.

US-Colombia Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Colombia to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella, focusing on earthquake reconstruction, tighter anti–drug trafficking cooperation, and deeper commercial ties as Washington backs the new rightward shift in the region. Security on Colombia’s Roads: A Colombian Army soldier died and two were wounded after a minefield blast on the Pan-American highway in Cauca, with an alleged suspect arrested. Counter-Narcotics at Sea: The US Southern Command sank another Ecuadorian vessel it says was tied to Los Choneros, removing people aboard for transfer to Ecuador. Economy Watch: Colombia’s inflation rose 0.39% in August, taking annual growth to 6.24%, above forecasts and still far from the central bank target. Agriculture & Climate Tech: Researchers in France and Colombia unveiled a deep-learning pipeline to measure rice root air spaces, aiming to help breed varieties that cut methane emissions. Sports & Culture: BTS wrapped its North American “Arirang” run with 1.92M fans; Jung Kook’s “Still With You” topped 500M Spotify streams.

Earthquake Aftermath in Chocó: Colombia’s 7.4 quake has killed at least 111 people, injured dozens, and damaged thousands of buildings, with Cali and other western cities hit hard; President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency as recovery ramps up. Private Sector Recovery Push: Top business leaders traveled to Chocó with the president to map reconstruction priorities, including rebuilding critical services and roads. Wounaan Families Lose Only School: In rural Buenaventura, 35 Wounaan families say the quake destroyed their only school and sanitation systems, leaving children out of class. Security & Rights Clash: Colombia’s ombudsman Iris Marin criticized the president for walking among bodies after a military operation, sparking a sharp government rebuttal over how the state communicates force. ELN Cross-Border Concerns: Colombia’s military says ELN top commanders are believed to be operating from Venezuela, with authorities describing a shift toward hiding near urban areas. Drug Enforcement Cooperation: Gardaí and Colombian police signed a pact to share intelligence and coordinate against the growing cocaine trade. Volcano Watch: Puracé remains on orange alert after continued seismic activity and ash emissions. Sports: Colombia won five medals at the San Salvador Panamerican Judo Open, finishing third overall.

Colombia Security: Colombia’s government says it is moving to crack down after a deadly drone swarm attack, with reports of soldiers killed and a reinforced military and police campaign in areas like Catatumbo. Armed Groups & Rights: A judge ordered the military to suspend air strikes on illegal armed groups when minors are present, adding pressure to how operations are carried out. Peace Talks: Colombia has shut down peace talks with dissidents, signaling a harder line toward armed groups. Economy & Sport: Colombia’s sports economy hit US$10.2B in 2024 (1.15% of GDP), with football driving broadcasting, sponsorships, tourism, retail and regulated betting. Bogotá/Colombia in the US: A Colombian congresswoman tied to Trump’s immigration agenda is now publicly urging action after her son was detained by ICE in Louisiana. International Spotlight: A Colombian-born baseball prospect, Michael Arroyo, made his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners after a promotion from Triple-A.

Security Crackdown in Colombia: Colombia’s government says it is escalating military pressure after a suspected guerrilla drone attack killed three soldiers, with operations reported in Catatumbo after the strike. Justice and Peace Talks: The administration also moved to shut down peace talks with dissidents, while a judge temporarily ordered suspension of airstrikes when children may be present. FARC Dissidents Hit: Authorities report at least seven members of the FARC dissident “Franco Benavides” front killed in Nariño during military operations, alongside arrests and weapons seizures. Bogotá Spotlight: A Bogotá school is highlighted for cutting bullying to zero through prevention-focused practices. Regional Energy Deal: Venezuela and Colombia signed a 25-year energy investment agreement, adding momentum to cross-border oil cooperation. International Human Rights: UNICEF warns that 20 million children face online sexual abuse, with new findings including Colombia in the research.

Security Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to intensify operations after a drone swarm attack on an ELN-linked military post in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, killing three soldiers and injuring four; authorities say at least 20 explosive-laden UAVs were used, and the government has launched a restructured “Esparta” campaign from Ocaña to disrupt ELN corridors and boost intelligence and judicial actions. Local Courts & Rights: A Bogotá judge temporarily suspended certain bombing air operations where minors may be present, and a second judicial office issued a similar order, adding legal pressure to the military’s anti-armed-group strategy. Regional Cooperation: Panama and Colombia moved forward on an electrical interconnection project, with Ecuador joining after talks in Guayaquil, alongside renewed coordination against organized crime and drug trafficking. Bogotá/Colombia Spotlight: Colombia’s worst violence in a decade continues to shape policy as the new administration ramps up bombings and ground operations against armed groups.

ELN Drone Attack: Colombia’s army says explosives dropped from guerrilla drones and a follow-up clash at a military unit in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, killed at least three soldiers and wounded four, with President Abelardo de la Espriella condemning the ELN and vowing intensified operations. Security Crackdown: De la Espriella also warned governors and mayors they cannot negotiate or contact illegal armed groups, signaling tighter control over local talks amid the government’s broader offensive. Bogotá Crime Alert: A smash-and-grab robbery in Bogotá reportedly stole about $500,000 in jewelry, adding to concerns about urban fraud and theft. Digital Safety for Minors: UNICEF reports 18% of children in Latin America and the Caribbean have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, with Colombia included among surveyed countries. Biodiversity Monitoring: Colombia is consolidating a national camera-trap network (OTUS) to improve wildlife data and support conservation decisions. Immigration Update: A U.S. court temporarily lifted restrictions affecting Diversity Visa applicants, reopening a path for DV-2026 cases ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline.

ELN Drone Attack: Colombia’s Army says at least two soldiers died and five were injured after an ELN drone strike hit military facilities in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, with damage also reported at a nearby police station. Education Watch: UNESCO is set to release ERCE 2025 results, a key regional test of learning in Latin America and the Caribbean, with first findings due in December 2026. Bogotá Crime: A smash-and-grab robbery at a Bogota jewelry store is estimated at about $500,000 in stolen merchandise, with suspects caught on video. AI & Jobs: A Colombian labor study finds 48.1% of workers in major cities are in activities exposed to AI, with women and young people highlighted as most at risk for labor shifts. US-Colombia Security: The US says it is expanding sustained operations with strikes in Ecuador and Colombia, including sinking alleged drug boats. Politics & Accountability: Former President Álvaro Uribe denies responsibility for 1990s massacres as he faces a hearing in Bogotá. Tourism Policy: Colombia’s tourism sector agrees to measure success using spending, jobs, sustainability and security—not just visitor numbers.

Humanitarian Response: A Qatari Armed Forces aircraft landed in Colombia carrying a fully equipped field hospital donated by the Qatar Fund for Development to support earthquake-hit communities, with Qatar’s search-and-rescue team helping deliver and equip the unit. Justice vs. Security: A Bogotá family court temporarily ordered Colombia to suspend airstrikes against armed groups when reliable information suggests minors may be present, sparking a sharp clash with President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government, which called the ruling unconstitutional and said it will appeal. Diplomacy & Security Cooperation: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Sept. 8–10) to deepen cooperation on earthquake response, counter–narcoterrorism and trade, as Colombia joins the U.S.-backed Coalition Against Cartels of the Americas. Culture in Bogotá: The 15th International Sacred Music Festival, “La Concordia,” opens Sept. 4 at Teatro Colón and runs through Oct. 4 with 1,000+ artists across 25 venues, later expanding to other Colombian cities. Business & Trade: China’s ambassador defended Shein and Temu in Colombia after exporters criticized the platforms over alleged unfair competition.

Colombia Court Limits Airstrikes: A Bogotá judge ordered President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government to suspend bombings of guerrilla targets when there’s information that recruited minors may be present, after strikes in Guaviare killed dozens including teenagers. Security Alert for Cesar: The U.S. Embassy in Colombia warned of “elevated risk” of attacks by illegal armed groups in Cesar, citing drone explosives and recent incidents, and said travel restrictions may apply. Earthquake Relief in Chocó: PU Prime mobilized emergency supplies for 34 families in Chocó after the 7.4 quake, including baby care and hygiene items delivered via ABACO. UN on Sudan Conflict: A UN-backed probe says foreign fighters and external support are fueling Sudan’s war and worsening violence against civilians. El Niño Pressure Builds: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is already disrupting droughts, floods and wildfires, with impacts expected to intensify into 2027. Digital Abuse Warning: UNICEF estimates 1 in 5 children across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a year.

Sudan War Watch: A UN-backed probe says foreign fighters and external support networks are fueling Sudan’s civil war, with drones, weapons, training and logistics flowing to both the RSF and the SAF—worsening attacks on civilians and raising war-crimes concerns. Bogotá/Colombia Politics: Colombia’s education minister Viviane Morales resigned after just weeks, citing an “unexpected family situation,” and President Abelardo de la Espriella named Ilva Myriam Hoyos as her replacement. Public Health: Hawaiʻi’s health department reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked—an alert for mosquito-borne risks tied to travel. Security/Drugs: U.S. Customs seized nearly $3 million in cocaine in two Laredo bridge busts involving a tractor-trailer and a truck misdeclared as “car parts.” Work Trends: A study finds 56.17% of Colombian workers would choose hybrid work if they could control their schedules, though only 39.66% currently have access. Sports: Carlos Queiroz was reappointed as Ghana coach after a short first stint that ended with a World Cup round-of-16 exit, including a loss to Colombia.

Bogotá & Security: Colombia’s Constitutional Court ordered the National Protection Unit to publicly apologize over statements that disclosed details of protection for murdered senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a case tied to Bogota’s ongoing security and political fallout. Border Trade: U.S. CBP will extend weekday hours for tractors and empty trailers at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge starting Sept. 14 to ease morning congestion, while officers also seized nearly $3.0M in cocaine at the Laredo crossings. Volcano Watch (Cauca): Puracé remains on orange alert after a month of heightened activity; Colombia’s Geological Service says the hazard map and monitoring network are key for risk management. Health (Regional): UNICEF estimates 20 million children worldwide face online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with very low reporting rates. Economy/Policy: Colombia warns it risks recession without urgent fiscal adjustment, as budget and deficit concerns continue to drive uncertainty. Energy (Venezuela link): Chevron plans $7B+ to expand Venezuela output, with Colombia’s GeoPark and Italy’s Eni also entering new deals.

Bogotá Metro: Bogota’s mayor set a firm start date for Metro Line 1—first passengers in March 15, 2028—after the project reached 80% completion, with remaining work focused on finishing systems and testing. Education Policy: The city published a draft rule that would sharply restrict cellphone use during the school day, aiming to keep students focused while still allowing learning-related tech; public comments run until Sept. 4. Earthquake Aftermath: Pope Leo XIV called Colombia’s president to express solidarity after the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, highlighting support for families, the injured, and rescuers. Religious Freedom Court Case: Colombia’s evangelical confederation backed Pastor Eduardo Cañas after a court found the inauguration prayer segment breached religious neutrality, arguing the ruling risks stigmatizing faith in public life. Security & Drugs: The U.S. and Colombia are moving ahead on a new military alliance targeting Pacific drug routes and the Ecuador border. Business & Investment: UAE and Colombia discussed expanding economic and trade ties, including ratifying agreements to boost investment flows.

Bogotá Business & Jobs: MicroSourcing opened its first Latin America delivery center in Bogotá, aiming to scale nearshore services with Colombia’s multilingual talent and time-zone alignment. Drug Enforcement: Colombian police arrested “Hermes” Julián near Medellín in connection with a nearly 900kg cocaine shipment found in Luxembourg last year. Security & Migration: Colombia’s immigration crackdown is raising rights concerns, with critics warning Venezuelans in irregular status could be at risk under new deportation priorities. Public Safety: A motorcyclist in Colombia survived after crashing into a bus with its rear doors open, captured on surveillance footage. Justice Case: Prosecutors moved to charge Laura Sarabia, Petro’s former right-hand, over alleged abuse of public office and coercion tied to events beginning in early 2023. Local Culture: Cartagena was ranked among the most sustainable heritage cities, highlighting how the city turns its historic center into a living, participatory space.

Security Update: A car bomb exploded late Monday outside the Los Patios police station in Cúcuta’s metro area, killing one civilian and injuring 11 people, including two officers; authorities said about 80 kg of explosives caused major damage and blamed the attack on armed groups operating near the Venezuela border. Regional Airlift: Avianca resumed daily Bogotá–Caracas flights and added a new daily Bogotá–Maracaibo route, boosting seats between Colombia and Venezuela as airlines rebuild international service after June earthquakes. Bogotá Heritage: A Bogota architecture firm faces a potentially large sanction after demolishing a protected Rogelio Salmona staircase during an apartment renovation, reigniting debate over what owners can change in Bien de Interés Cultural properties. Economy & Trade: Mercado Bitcoin and Bitso announced a Brazil push by combining operations to compete with global crypto platforms as Brazil’s Central Bank rules tighten. Culture: September kicks off jazz festivals across Colombia, with events planned in Bogota, Medellín, Mompox and Cartagena, blending concerts with workshops and public cultural exchange.

Colombia Security Crackdown: Colombia’s new government says a bombing raid in Guaviare killed 20 guerrillas tied to Ivan Mordisco, with five people captured and two minors rescued—while rights groups and forensic sources also point to child deaths in earlier strikes. Cocaine Economy: A new EAFIT University report says illicit cocaine exports overtook crude oil as Colombia’s top export, valuing cocaine at $16.5B in 2024 and highlighting how the drug trade now rivals major legal sectors. Biodiversity Funding Gap: The UN’s Cali Fund for sharing benefits from digital genetic data has received only $6,000 since launch, far below expectations, with officials citing low awareness and weak recognition of compliance certificates. Oil & Investment Watch: Colombian oil-service firms are moving into Venezuela as new exploration and production deals near, amid questions over a U.S.-linked arrangement for access to Venezuela’s reserves. Local Governance & Transport: Colombia’s government is seeking changes to the vehicle traffic code, as Bogotá and other cities weigh how to manage heavy-vehicle rules.