AGP Executive Report

Sudan War, Colombia Link: AP reports children as young as 8 were conscripted by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and that some say they were trained by Colombian mercenaries, with accounts describing kids shackled to weapons and forced to fire on warplanes. Violence in Cali: Colombian authorities say they captured five suspects tied to the murder of 21-year-old, eight-months pregnant María Camila Potosí, a case that shocked the country after her baby was found missing. Housing Crunch: Colombia’s construction slowdown deepened in the first half of 2026, with home sales down 9.9% and housing starts down 19.6%, as uncertainty and financing pressures keep projects stalled. Diplomacy Overhaul: Coverage says President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella plans to close embassies and cut ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, reshaping Colombia’s foreign policy map. Faith in Public Life: Organizers say Colombia’s Great March for Jesus on Aug. 2 aims to draw about 6 million people across 400+ cities, framed as ecumenical and peace-oriented. Business Leadership: Mauricio Leyva is set to become the first Colombian CEO of 7-Eleven North America, starting Aug. 1.

Diplomacy & Security: Colombia’s president-elect is facing fresh fallout over plans to cut ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, with Cuba’s foreign ministry rejecting the move and accusing Colombia of following U.S. policy. Public Health: The CDC says COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 37 U.S. states, while Colombia is listed among countries reporting cases in the WHO dashboard. Sports & National Pride: Colombia’s Toreros swept Colombia to reach the semifinals unbeaten, and at the Central American and Caribbean Games Colombia sits near the top of the medal table as Cuba fights to hold third. Culture & Local Economy: Bogota and nearby municipalities are gearing up for Coffee Master 2026, running Aug. 5–17, with special drinks created by coffee shops across the region. Environment & Illicit Trade: A commentary warns the Amazon’s gold rush is fueling illegal mining in protected and Indigenous areas, pushing for tougher sourcing rules to choke off laundering.

Colombia–Cuba Rift: Cuba’s foreign ministry rejected statements from Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella about closing the Havana embassy and cutting ties, calling it subordination to Washington. Security & Inauguration: Cali is ramping up security for De la Espriella’s Aug. 7 inauguration, with a major operation after the swearing-in was moved from Bogota to the southwest. Diplomacy Tightrope: As Petro exits, Colombia is trying to keep Palestine recognition while rebuilding military and economic ties with Israel, including plans to cancel a Ramallah mission and shift the embassy to Jerusalem. Labor Cabinet Move: De la Espriella named attorney Natalia Lopez as Colombia’s next labor minister, signaling a push to tackle unemployment and informality. Sports & Leadership: Colombia’s federation is reportedly targeting Radamel Falcao as assistant manager to coach Néstor Lorenzo. Aviation Links: Air Europa will launch Barranquilla–Madrid nonstop service in December, adding a third Colombian destination to its Europe network. Drug War Reality Check: A U.S. review says Operation Southern Spear didn’t reduce cocaine supply, despite attacks that killed 221 people. Volleyball Boost: Colombia won silver at the South American Women’s Volleyball Cup in Lima, with FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support for coaches and equipment.

Diplomacy Shake-Up: Colombia’s outgoing President Gustavo Petro received the Palestinian ambassador’s credentials, even as president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella prepares a foreign-policy pivot toward Israel and plans to suspend the Palestine mission. Regional Fallout: Cuba condemned the incoming Colombian plan to cut ties and close its Havana embassy, calling it alignment with U.S. policy. Diplomatic Appointments: Venezuela’s ambassador Ramón Orlando Maniglia presented credentials to Petro, formalizing the start of his mission in Colombia. Domestic Politics: The House of Representatives approved De la Espriella’s swearing-in ceremony outside Bogotá, clearing the way for an inauguration in Cali. Health & Tech: IntelliGenome said INVIMA approved its CRISPR-TB blood test kit for commercialization in Colombia, with Velez Lab as exclusive distributor. Sports Spotlight: Colombia is listed among top medal leaders at the Central American and Caribbean Games, while Ghana’s football officials pointed to patience after a World Cup exit to Colombia.

Diplomacy Shake-Up: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is at the center of a fresh diplomatic fight over Cuba, with Cuba’s foreign ministry rejecting claims he will sever ties and close the Havana embassy. Justice: A Colombian court sentenced former paramilitary leader Hernán Giraldo Serna (“El Patrón”) to nearly 21 years for sexual abuses against minors, including crimes committed while he was already imprisoned. Sports & Politics: Luis Díaz made a surprise visit to the president-elect’s home, sparking debate as Al-Hilal weighs a reported €70m offer. Economy & Jobs: New reports say US companies are increasingly hiring Latin American developers and accountants as US pay rises and shortages widen. Green Transition: Colombia’s green hydrogen push is expanding from pilots to 36 projects, with 8 already operating, aiming to cut emissions 51% by 2030. Travel & Culture: Four Seasons Cartagena was named among the world’s 50 best luxury hotels, while Lay’s RePlay continues expanding soccer access via recycled-chip pitches, including in Colombia.

Diplomatic Reset in Bogotá: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella says he’ll cut ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close 14 embassies/15 consulates as part of a cost-cutting foreign policy overhaul, while also reopening a mission in Jerusalem and shelving plans for an embassy in Palestine—sparking pushback from Colombian political figures who call it ideological and unnecessary. U.S.-Colombia Drug War Fallout: A new U.S. assessment says deadly strikes on drug boats haven’t reduced cocaine entering the U.S.; traffickers are shifting tactics, including more aircraft routes tied to the Colombia–Venezuela border. Tourism Boost for Colombia: United Airlines will launch year-round nonstop flights to Cartagena from Houston and Washington Dulles starting Dec. 17, adding direct links to major U.S. hubs. Sports & National Pride: A 12-year-old Colombian BMX rider, Camila de la Hoz Mora (“Camiflow”), won runner-up at the UCI BMX World Championships in Brisbane. Culture Spotlight: The Gabo Awards in Bogotá honored journalists killed in Colombia, including this year’s Mateo Pérez Rueda and Cristian Herrera.

Drug War Reality Check: A previously unreported DEA assessment says Trump’s deadly strikes on alleged drug boats haven’t reduced cocaine entering the U.S.; traffickers are shifting tactics—bigger vessels, more coastal routes, and more flights from clandestine airstrips along the Colombia-Venezuela border. Presidential Transition Shock: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro faces a fresh alleged corruption scandal tied to sisters Juliana and Verónica Guerrero, just days before he leaves office. Foreign Policy Overhaul: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella vows to sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close 14 embassies and 15 consulates, while planning a Jerusalem embassy and a renewed push to reorganize Colombia’s diplomatic network. Security vs. Centralism: A debate is heating up over De la Espriella’s plan to govern from multiple cities, with critics warning decentralization could turn into costly “theater” without constitutional and fiscal clarity. Economy & Migration: Colombia’s remittances topped US$6B in the first half of 2026, reinforcing their role as a key lifeline. Culture & Sports: Colombia’s U-19 women’s underwater hockey team won a world title in Turkey; a wild tapir wandered into a classroom in Guaviare, leaving students stunned.

Foreign Policy Shake-Up: Colombia President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella says he will sever diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua on Aug. 7 and plans to close 15 consulates and 14 embassies as he overhauls missions. International Relations: Israel’s government approved Vivian Aisen as ambassador to Colombia, signaling a full restoration of ties after Petro cut relations in 2024. Security & Justice: In Cali, an eight-months-pregnant woman, María Camila Potosí, was stabbed to death and her unborn baby was reportedly cut from her womb; police are hunting suspects and offering a major reward. Economy & Trade: Exporters warn a stronger Colombian peso is squeezing dollar-priced farm products while costs stay in pesos, pushing coffee, bananas, avocados, flowers, sugar and palm oil groups to demand action from the incoming administration. Public Health & Safety: A U.S. recall flagged Target’s Good & Gather baby puree (made in Colombia) for elevated lead levels. Regional Spotlight: Colombia is also part of a PAHO/FAO-led project to strengthen food safety systems using risk analysis, with support from the University of Minnesota.

Violence in Cali: A pregnant 21-year-old, María Camila Potosí, was reported kidnapped and later found stabbed to death, with her unborn baby allegedly cut from her womb; police say multiple people may be involved and a major reward is offered as the search continues. Public safety in Tolima: A bullfight festival in Coyaima turned chaotic when the animal leapt into the stands, injuring four people and prompting calls for safer entertainment. ICE and family separation in the U.S.: In El Paso, an 11-year-old described ICE agents putting on gloves before arresting his father, leading to separation and detention; protests are planned in Pasadena over ICE shootings that also involved a Colombian man in Maine. Colombia politics: Former adult film star Amaranta Hank (Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz) was sworn in as a senator under the Historic Pact, focusing on labor protections for adult-content workers and broader mental health and abuse prevention. Media and AI: At Colombia’s Gabo Festival, journalismAI expert Ana Paula Valacco argued AI only helps if reporters ask the right questions and keep human verification. Environment: Colombia’s Caribbean coral reefs are highlighted as a biodiversity hotspot under pressure from tourism.

Justice & Security: A Miami federal judge delayed sentencing for four South Florida men convicted in a plot to assassinate Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse, pushing sentencing to early February 2027. Politics & Influence: Colombia’s election fallout continues to draw scrutiny as experts say the Trump administration’s involvement in Colombia’s right-wing victory was “heavy-handed,” including the detention of an activist who opposed a Trump-endorsed candidate. Regional Politics: Brazil denied visas to two Trump officials meant to question election integrity, citing an attempt to undermine October’s vote ahead of Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential bid. Economy & Inflation: G7 central banks face pressure as oil hovers near $100, with markets watching for signals that could revive rate hikes. Public Safety: In Cali, an eight-months-pregnant woman was stabbed to death and her baby was reportedly ripped from her womb; authorities say multiple people may be involved. Culture & Media: At Colombia’s Gabo Festival, journalists urged young reporters to build communities and protect independent journalism amid disinformation and AI. Environment: Colombia’s Caribbean coral reefs are highlighted as a biodiversity hotspot under tourism pressure.

Colombia Politics: Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, better known as Amaranta Hank, was sworn in as a senator in Bogotá, joining President Gustavo Petro’s left-wing Historic Pact and vowing to push labor protections and social security for adult-content workers. Journalism & AI: Argentine journalism expert Ana Paula Valacco says AI can help newsrooms fight disinformation only if reporters keep asking the right questions and pair tools with human verification. Public Safety: Colombia is reeling after a 21-year-old pregnant woman, María Camila Potosí, was found dead in Cali with her eight-month-old fetus allegedly removed from her womb. Culture & Society: A bull jumped into a crowd at a festival in Coyaima, Tolima, injuring at least four people and sparking calls for safer entertainment. Environment: A new look at Colombia’s Caribbean coral reefs highlights their biodiversity value—and the tourism pressures putting them at risk. Regional Context: Brazil denied visas to two Trump officials reportedly seeking to question the integrity of Brazil’s electoral system ahead of October’s vote.

Tariffs & Forced Labor: The U.S. has imposed new 10%–12.5% Section 301 tariffs on Colombia and 59 other economies over forced-labor claims, with Colombia facing a fresh tariff hit that business groups say could have been avoided if local rules had been updated in time. Water Crisis Planning: President Gustavo Petro declared a 12-month national disaster tied to El Niño risks, warning of a mega-drought from Dec. 2026 to Mar. 2027 and pushing water-saving, food-security, and emergency funding measures. Congress & Security Transition: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella plans to take office at a military garrison in Cauca, breaking with 140 years of Bogotá tradition, after Congress moves were approved. CAF Financing Boost: CAF announced a US$9 billion financing framework for Colombia (2026–2030) focused on energy security, productivity infrastructure, social inclusion, and territorial strengthening. Adult-Content Rights in Politics: Former adult performer Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz was sworn in as a Colombian senator, pledging to protect social-security rights for adult creators. Health Supplies Blocked: Cuba says epilepsy medication containers are being held in Colombia’s port of Cartagena by Hapag-Lloyd, citing U.S. blockade compliance.

Trade & Tariffs: The Trump administration launched sweeping tariffs under Section 301 over forced-labor claims, hitting 60 economies with rates from 10% to 12.5%—including Colombia—after USTR investigations tied to countries’ enforcement of forced-labor bans. Energy & Exports: U.S. regulators cleared Argent LNG to export up to 25 MTPA of LNG from Louisiana for 20 years to free-trade partners, with Colombia listed among eligible destinations. Colombia Politics & Accountability: Ecopetrol confirmed Ricardo Roa’s permanent departure as president, as the company enters a leadership transition amid ongoing legal scrutiny tied to Petro’s campaign financing. Sports & National Team: Colombia’s Football Federation renewed Néstor Lorenzo as coach after a successful World Cup run, keeping continuity for the next cycle. Human Rights & Justice: A U.S. court ruled an ICE officer linked to a fatal Maine shooting was not credible in prior testimony, as investigations continue. Public Safety & Tourism: Colombia is searching for a missing German tourist in Tayrona National Park after a week marked by multiple drownings. Culture: Colombian masked corridos newcomer Corridos del Rey signed a management deal with VHR Music.

Colombia–U.S. Drug Fight: Colombia’s outgoing government says it seized 3,300 tons of cocaine during Petro’s term, with the Defense Ministry claiming intelligence work drove 60% of internationally seized cocaine. Human Rights & Displacement: Colombia’s Ombudsman reports 83 mass displacement events affecting 15,960 people from January to June 2026, plus 44 confinement events impacting 64,787. Indigenous Security Crisis: Ashaninka leaders warn armed drug-trafficking groups are expanding into ancestral territory along the Brazil-Peru border, pushing for stronger protection. U.S. Tariffs Hit Colombia: The U.S. raises its forced-labor-related tariff on Colombian goods from 10% to 12.5% starting July 24, with rules tied to when shipments entered transit and cleared customs. Diplomacy Shift: Israel says it agreed with Colombia’s incoming government to restore diplomatic and economic ties and reopen an embassy in Jerusalem, reversing Petro’s 2024 break. Global Watch: HRW warns U.S.-Ecuador security cooperation is entering a “perilous” phase amid alleged torture, arbitrary detentions, and civilian strikes.

El Niño & Water Watch: Recent rains have lifted Bogotá’s reservoir system, with the Chingaza supply reaching about 74% capacity, but officials warn it’s not the end of water stress as a very strong El Niño looms. Election Fallout: President Gustavo Petro says a website holding alleged evidence of electoral fraud was hit by a cyberattack, as legal moves to challenge the June result continue. Climate Politics: Petro also attacked president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella over climate-change denial, amid projections that drought could drop reservoir levels below 20%. Online Child Safety: Colombia is consulting on new child online safety rules that require platforms to build protections in by design, contrasting with France’s stricter under-15 social media ban. Drug Trade Transit: UNODC reports Ecuador’s ports and banana exports are fueling record cocaine trafficking as shipments move toward Europe and North America. Public Opinion Shift: Pew data shows China is viewed more favorably than the U.S. across many countries, including Colombia.

Diplomacy & Israel ties: Nauru says it will open an embassy in Jerusalem, and links the move to a similar agreement with Colombia’s incoming foreign minister to fully restore relations with Israel, exchange ambassadors, and renew cooperation. Health access: Colombia’s Grupo Keralty (Clinica Colsanitas) visited Curaçao to help reduce specialist waiting lists, meeting local health officials and touring the Curaçao Medical Center. Environment & tourism: Whale watching season has started on Colombia’s Pacific coast, with humpbacks returning from July 15 to Oct. 17, especially around Bahia Malaga. Regional justice: The Andean Court of Justice admitted an unprecedented case against Peru over alleged failures to curb illegal mining, including whether Peru met its obligations under its formalization program. Politics in Colombia: The Senate approved President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s swearing-in in Cauca, authorizing Congress to temporarily relocate for the Aug. 7 ceremony. Security & travel: A solo-travel risk index ranks Colombia among the riskiest destinations for 2026, citing safety sentiment and healthcare access.