AGP Executive Report

Natural Gas Outlook: A fossil-fuel-friendly turn, new offshore discoveries, and added regasification capacity are lifting expectations for Colombia’s gas sector. Wildfires in Tolima: Tolima’s governor says criminal groups may have deliberately set fires that have burned nearly 30,000 hectares, citing videos of men on motorcycles and gasoline use, with President Abelardo de la Espriella urging investigations and seeking U.S. and Chile support. Security & Migration Crackdown: De la Espriella ordered police and immigration to identify and deport migrants without legal status starting in Barranquilla, while a new security strategy will treat all illegal armed groups as terrorist organizations and expand anti-extortion and financial disruption tools. Peace Process Backslide: Colombia suspended regional programming of “Peace Stations” under the 2016 accord, with only the fully implemented part left—prompting criticism from the Ombudsman. Earthquake Response: The Aug. 10 quake death toll rose to 331 as UNGRD reports hundreds missing and major housing destruction; PAHO/WHO is supporting health recovery. Public Media Overhaul: The government launched a plan to depoliticize Inravisión, ending news/opinion blocks and auditing contracts. Human Rights & Children: HRW says Facebook and TikTok recommendation systems have helped armed groups recruit children, even when content is removed after flags. Political Power: Congress is set to elect magistrates to the National Electoral Council, a vote that could strengthen right-wing control. Controversy & Safety: Journalist Naylea Barros was shot in Santa Marta after months of threats; a separate uproar erupted over an alleged music video filmed amid earthquake rubble in Pereira.

Earthquake Recovery: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed to 331 as UNGRD updated figures to 4,439 injured and 240 missing, with 361,353 people affected across 494 municipalities; President Abelardo de la Espriella formally kicked off reconstruction in Chocó, saying rebuilding will be “safer” and “better,” and announcing initial delivery of 4,480 tons of materials plus a major financing push. Reconstruction Aid: The government launched a three-month “Miracle Fund” subsidy for quake-hit families—875,452 pesos per month—starting Aug. 26, amid criticism over whether it covers real living costs. Immigration Crackdown: In Barranquilla, De la Espriella ordered police and Migración Colombia to begin this week identifying and deporting irregular migrants, prioritizing people tied to crime first, then those without regular status; the policy is expected to hit the large Venezuelan population. Security Policy Shift: The president also framed the crackdown as part of a broader “security axis,” including tougher action against terrorism and drug trafficking. Armed Groups & Children: Human Rights Watch warned that armed groups are increasing child recruitment, pointing to social media tactics and an ineffective state response, with dissident groups and Cauca highlighted. Wildfires: El Niño-linked wildfires remain active, with Tolima the hardest hit as authorities report ongoing blazes and urgent calls for aerial support. International Pressure on Drug War: Questions were raised about a new Australian Federal Police anti-drugs taskforce in Colombia and whether it could feed into U.S. air strikes against suspected trafficking vessels.

Deportation Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered immigration authorities to detain undocumented foreigners convicted of crimes and begin deportation procedures “this week,” signaling a tougher line on irregular migration. Child Recruitment & Drone Warfare: Human Rights Watch says armed groups are increasingly recruiting children—often via social media—and training them to operate explosives-laden drones, while Colombia’s defenders’ office reports dozens of drone attacks in early 2026. Petro’s Son Case: Fresh controversy surrounds the Nicolas Petro prosecution, with a former prosecutor alleging pressure to drop money-laundering charges; the Attorney General’s office denies any coercion. U.S. Maritime Counter-Narcotics: The U.S. Southern Command reported another eastern Pacific strike killing two suspected traffickers, as Washington expands joint operations with regional partners. Bogotá Tech Agenda: Medellín is set to host the first Artificial Intelligence Week in the Americas (INMERXIA) in November, aiming to connect public officials, researchers, and businesses. Economy Watch: The Colombian peso kept strengthening, pushing the dollar to levels not seen since 2018, boosting importers but worrying exporters. Environment & Security: Tolima wildfires have burned over 30,000 hectares, and authorities are investigating whether criminal groups deliberately set some fires.

Earthquake Recovery, Private Sector: President Abelardo de la Espriella met top business leaders in Barranquilla to speed rebuilding after the Aug. 10 quake, securing commitments to lower mortgage rates for victims and to plan a longer-term recovery visit to Chocó. Human Rights Watch, Armed Groups: Human Rights Watch warns that child recruitment by Colombia’s armed groups is rising, driven by poverty and exclusion, and says the new administration should adopt a stronger security-and-justice approach to protect, rescue, and prosecute. Security Crackdown: The new government reports early results against drug trafficking: 12.3 tons of cocaine, 11.2 tons of marijuana seized, 1,574 arrests, and 162 drug-linked facilities dismantled in its first 15 days. International Courts, Immigration: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Brazil and Colombia, calling it “patently unlawful.” US-Colombia Security Link: A “security pact” is reported to authorize expanded US military operations in Colombia, raising sovereignty concerns. Diplomacy, Israel-Golan: US envoy Tom Barrack walked back earlier comments on the Golan, while Colombia’s right-wing government continues backing Israel’s claim. Humanitarian Aid, China: China delivered about 80 tons of earthquake relief supplies to Bogotá, including generators, water purification, tents, and solar lighting.

Drug War Update: Colombia’s new government says that in its first 15 days it seized 12.3 tons of cocaine and 11.2 tons of marijuana, arrested 1,574 people, and dismantled 162 drug-trafficking facilities—an early push to tighten security and hit logistics. Earthquake Relief & Politics: After the Aug. 10 quake, a major fundraising push is underway in Bogota and abroad, with the latest UNGRD figures cited at 329 deaths, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, alongside massive housing damage and displacement. Foreign Policy Shift: President Abelardo de la Espriella’s administration has resumed thermal coal exports to Israel, reversing Petro-era restrictions and framing the change as ending “ideological” trade barriers. US Legal Clash With Colombia in the Mix: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s blanket immigrant-visa suspension for 75 countries as “patently unlawful,” affecting applicants including Colombians and limiting the State Department’s ability to block visas by nationality. Regional Security Cooperation: A reported US-Colombia agreement would allow US military operations in Colombia under a drug-fighting and hemispheric security pact, immediately feeding domestic sovereignty debate.

US Courts & Immigration: A Manhattan federal judge, Jeannette Vargas, struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority; the ruling orders case-by-case review and affects countries including Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and others. Colombia Earthquake Response: President Abelardo de la Espriella says private-sector contributions for quake reconstruction have topped 2 trillion pesos (about $651m), with major pledges from leading business families; meanwhile, the government’s latest toll puts deaths at 329 with thousands injured and missing. Humanitarian Aid: China delivered about 80 tonnes of earthquake relief to Colombia, including tents, water purification and generators, to support affected departments. Foreign Policy & Trade: Colombia authorized a restart of coal exports to Israel, reversing Petro-era restrictions, while more than 40 lawmakers condemned the government’s recognition of Morocco’s Western Sahara position. Regional Security: Iran claims victory over the US as France and Saudi Arabia discuss bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, amid continued strikes in Syria. Bogotá Sports/Politics: Ghana’s football federation says it’s in talks to appoint the next Black Stars coach after Carlos Queiroz talks reportedly stalled.

US Immigration Courts: A Biden-appointed federal judge in Manhattan, Jeannette Vargas, struck down Trump’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and ruling Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his legal authority by directing consular officers to deny visas based on nationality rather than individual “public charge” assessments; the ruling could reopen case-by-case processing for affected applicants, including Colombians. Middle East Diplomacy: Egypt pushed for renewed US-Iran talks amid rising regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s president said the world has accepted Iran’s “victory” over the US; separately, Israel carried out fresh strikes in Syria and Gaza. Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s quake response continues to collide with safety and legal constraints as courts have ordered pauses on demolitions of earthquake-damaged buildings where people might still be trapped, while the death toll has climbed to 329 and hundreds of thousands remain affected. Bogotá/Local Governance & Oversight: The government is also facing legal and political pressure tied to earthquake-era decisions, including scrutiny of how public spending and emergency measures are being handled. International Relations (Colombia): Colombia’s shift on the Golan Heights—recognizing Israel’s claim—has drawn diplomatic ripples, including conflicting remarks from a US envoy.

Colombia Earthquake Response: The UN and partners launched a second $148M appeal for Colombia after the Aug. 10 quake, saying 319 people have died, 247 are missing, and more than 31,000 homes were destroyed; the plan targets about 671,000 vulnerable people across health, shelter, food, education, protection, and WASH, on top of an existing $472M humanitarian plan that remains underfunded. Disaster Toll Update: Colombia’s disaster agency reported 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with over 1,200 animals rescued and tens of thousands of homes fully destroyed or heavily damaged. Peace Process Under Pressure: Opposition leader Iván Cepeda says he will file a tutela after the government suspended programming at 20 Emisoras de Paz, arguing it violates rights to information and the peace agreement’s commitments. International Legal Clash: A US judge struck down a Trump-era policy suspending immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries (including Colombia), ruling it exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority and violated federal immigration law. Climate/El Niño Impact: FEDEGAN estimates El Niño has already killed 9,865 cattle and forced relocation of 333,000+ animals, with major losses across 15 departments. Bogotá/Regional Culture: Medellín announced its 20th International Book and Culture Festival (Sept. 11–20), with free entry and South Korea as guest of honor.

Earthquake Response: Colombia thanked Türkiye for humanitarian aid after the Aug. 10 quake, including food, blankets, and medicine, as the government keeps expanding emergency measures. Disaster Toll & Emergency Powers: Colombia declared a state of emergency in quake-hit areas and revised the death toll upward, with reconstruction costs now pegged around US$12 billion. Governance & Appointments: A controversy erupted after President Abelardo de la Espriella’s ex-wife was named deputy superintendent for notaries and public records, raising conflict-of-interest questions. Culture War in Schools: Colombia’s education minister says a “woke” campaign has infiltrated sex education, prompting a review of materials and a renewed fight over parental rights. Security & Drug War: Ecuador and the U.S. conducted joint operations against drug cartels near Colombia’s border, boosting maritime interdiction capacity. Local Tragedy: An illegal gold mine landslide in Nariño killed 13 and injured seven, underscoring the risks tied to unregulated mining. International Ties: Colombia and Israel agreed on mutual visa-free travel starting Sept. 1. Climate Pressure: Wildfires in Tolima burned about 20,000 hectares amid drought conditions linked to El Niño.

Earthquake Response: Colombia declared a 30-day state of emergency for 15 quake-hit regions after the Aug. 10 disaster, with officials citing 319 dead, 4,500+ injured and 260 missing, while UN agencies and partners ramped up aid and structural assessments. Disaster Aid & Logistics: IOM said about 282,000 people were affected, launched a $30m flash appeal, and highlighted ongoing damage checks on nearly 163,000 homes as international teams coordinate with local authorities. Security & Military: President Abelardo de la Espriella renewed Colombia’s military leadership, promising a relentless push against narcoterrorism and stronger state presence in all regions. Public Oversight: Congress elected Jorge Eliécer Laverde as comptroller general for 2026-2030, pledging “zero political persecution” and tighter monitoring of public spending. Diplomacy: Colombia and Israel agreed to mutual visa-free entry from Sept. 1, as Israel’s new ambassador Vivian Aisen began work in Bogotá. Legislation: A bill was introduced to ban surrogacy, aiming to curb “reproductive exploitation” and “reproductive tourism,” including claims tied to Bogotá clinics.

Earthquake Response & Emergency Powers: Colombia expanded the Aug. 10 quake disaster zone via a second emergency decree, extending a 30-day state of exception across affected provinces and allowing faster credit, tax and budget moves, including use of stabilization funds and expanding “works for taxes” to speed shelters and relief. Humanitarian Aid in Bogotá: India’s first tranche of quake assistance—20 metric tonnes including medicines, temporary shelter and hygiene supplies—arrived in Bogotá and was handed to local authorities. Bogotá Church Mobilization: The Bogotá archdiocese launched a “spiritual first aid” mission, sending 80 priests and deacons to quake-hit cities and rural parishes. New Diplomatic Push (Israel): Colombia and Israel will lift visa requirements starting Sept. 1, deepening the new administration’s rapid foreign-policy shift; Israel’s new ambassador in Bogotá flagged misinformation and antisemitism as a key early challenge. Security & Organized Crime: A report highlights the U.S. moving anti-crime operations from sea to land, with Colombia joining the Shield of the Americas and drone-related counter-drone cooperation. Mining Safety Crisis: In Nariño, an illegal gold mine landslide killed at least 13 and injured seven, with authorities citing improper extraction and launching an investigation.

Earthquake Response & Emergency Powers: President Abelardo de la Espriella signed a 30-day economic, social and ecological emergency decree for 15 quake-hit departments, citing a “grave public calamity” and authorizing faster budget, tax and public-debt moves as Colombia’s fiscal strain collides with reconstruction needs; the UNGRD reports 319 dead, 4,469 injured and 260 missing, with tens of thousands of homes destroyed or damaged. Local Impact in the Pacific: Chocó—already neglected and hard to reach—faces a “triple crisis” as roads are blocked by landslides, schools and health services are damaged, and aid delivery lags; Afro-Colombian groups in the region say they’re still desperate for help. Aid Under Fire & New Risks: The UN relief chief warned that cheap armed drones are normalizing attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, raising accountability concerns as violence spreads beyond front lines. Environment & Rights of Nature: A new government move to revoke a Petro-era paramo-related resolution in eastern Colombia’s Santurban area has reignited legal and political tensions over community participation and protection of water-regulating ecosystems. Coast Conservation: Indigenous Wayuu fishers in La Guajira are working with marine biologists to document and protect sharks after a ban on targeted fishing, balancing conservation with food insecurity and the debate over compensation. Bogotá/Policy Watch: De la Espriella’s early steps—cutting non-priority spending and reshaping disaster governance—are being framed as a first major test of his promises to tighten the state while keeping support focused on the most vulnerable.

Earthquake Recovery & Culture: Colombia’s quake response is entering a grim accounting phase: the UNGRD says deaths have risen to 312 with 290 missing, 4,611 injured, and major damage across health centers, schools, roads, bridges, and airports; the culture ministry’s first report flags 40 nationally protected heritage sites damaged (22 severely), including major landmarks in Cali. Local Governance: Cali’s mayor estimates recovery will take about three years, shifting from rescue to body recovery and then to rebuilding and service restoration. International Aid: China delivered nearly 80 tons of earthquake supplies to Bogotá (tents, water purification, generators, solar lamps), while Argentina sent aircraft with personnel and field support to Chocó; more aid is arriving as the humanitarian push expands. Security & Politics: President Abelardo de la Espriella says he has captured “Ever/Marino,” alleged head of the Los Costeños hitmen/extortion network; meanwhile his government is also moving away from Petro-era peace policy, launching early offensives and aligning with U.S.-led anti-cartel efforts. U.S.-Colombia Link: Colombia is set to receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones on loan to boost surveillance against drug trafficking and armed groups. Public Backlash: Outrage grows over the president’s branded footballs handed out to quake-displaced families instead of basic supplies. Bogotá Transit: The city began adding 50 dual-mode electric articulated buses to TransMilenio, part of a plan to expand the electric fleet through 2029. Rule of Law / Immigration (U.S.): A Colombian wife of an active-duty serviceman avoided deportation after a denied asylum bid, highlighting how immigration cases can hinge on fast legal action.

Earthquake Recovery & Accountability: Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, is facing his first major test after the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, with preliminary damage estimates now put around $9.6bn and the death toll reported in the low 300s as search and rescue continues. Humanitarian & Education Response: Shakira visited earthquake-hit schools in Chocó/Quibdó and pledged a $1m education relief push, including FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation matching, plus support for rebuilding a technological university and 10 new schools. Aid Logistics: Avianca and GOLLOG moved more than 150 tonnes of supplies in coordinated flights, while international partners ramp up emergency support. Political Oversight: De la Espriella delivered a “Book of Truth” compiling 82 alleged corruption cases tied to the Petro administration to the Attorney General and oversight bodies. Foreign Policy & Trade Pressure: He also asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products to aid recovery, with Commerce Minister Mauricio Gomez set to negotiate in Washington. Security Crackdown: In parallel, the government says it is resuming operations against armed groups, with retaliatory attacks reported in Norte de Santander and Cauca.

Earthquake Recovery Costs & Toll: Colombia’s government says the Aug. 10 7.4 quake will cost about $9.5–$9.6bn to rebuild, with deaths now reported around 304 and hundreds still missing, as displaced families struggle to find shelter and services while search efforts wind down. Education Rebuilding Push: Shakira’s surprise visit to Quibdó, Chocó, turned into a major school-reconstruction pledge: $1.25m for 10 schools plus support for a damaged technological university, backed by Howard Buffett and additional partners including CAF and Global Citizen. Local Governance Under Scrutiny: A housing minister faced backlash after a Caribbean beach trip during the crisis, adding to anger over uneven response and disrupted schooling and housing for quake survivors. Aid Mobilization Beyond Bogotá: North Texas and other U.S. groups are organizing donations and medical missions for the hardest-hit areas, while international partners and humanitarian agencies scale up support. Tech for Public Services: ADRES launched an AI-based system (PAACME) to speed and audit certain medical claims, part of broader efforts to modernize government processing. Diplomacy Watch: China’s Xi told Ecuador it supports Latin America’s “independence and self-reliance,” as regional politics keep shifting rightward.

Earthquake Aftermath, Housing & Costs: Colombia’s new government says the quake’s early losses are about 30 trillion pesos (roughly $9.6B), with buildings and infrastructure hit hardest, as the death toll sits near 289 and missing at 143 while families still lack shelter and schools remain closed. Aid, Politics & Public Trust: President Abelardo de la Espriella is asking the U.S. to suspend high tariffs to ease recovery, while the response is also being tested by controversy—footage of him handing out branded footballs in Buenaventura drew backlash, and Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán faced calls for a no-confidence motion after a Caribbean beach trip during the crisis. Education Commitments: Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó, pledging $1.25M to rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local university, backed by partners including Live Nation, FIFA’s education fund, and CAF. Security & Conflict: Colombia condemned the alleged kidnapping of three police officers in Catatumbo attributed to the ELN, and separately lawmakers are questioning an Israeli military delegation’s presence after the quake. International Relief: China and Korea announced humanitarian shipments, while Colombian business leaders pledged over $160M for reconstruction and services.