alvaro algarra is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.
I am a journalist born in Caracas Venezuela in 1980, I graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas. I trained as a professional from the first year of my career as a Social Communicator on the television channel Radio Caracas ...

ELN and Colombian Government Seek Peace with Venezuela as Guarantor

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Colombian Conflict

The Colombian government and the ELN announced in Caracas that they will resume dialogue, which has been stalled since March 30, 2016. The process will restart after the first week of November. Political analyst Luis Trejos highlights the dilemma faced by Nicolás Maduro's government as a guarantor, given the ELN's internal divisions and operations in various Venezuelan states. Internationalist Giovanna De Michelle explains the difference between being a guarantor and a mediator in such negotiations. This marks the fifth attempt at peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government since 1994.

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ELN Colombian Government Venezuelan Government

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Kavel Alpaslan is a journalist based in İzmir, Turkey.

ELN commander Uriel: Coronavirus exposes the crisis of capitalism

25 Apr 2020  |  www.gazeteduvar.com.tr  |  Turkish  |  Colombian Conflict

Colombia, previously marked by street protests and paramilitary assassinations, faces a new challenge with the Covid-19 pandemic. ELN commander Uriel criticizes the Colombian government's neoliberal policies and inadequate healthcare system, highlighting the crisis's impact on the poor and working class. Uriel emphasizes the need for a healthcare system that guarantees dignified living for all citizens and criticizes the government's prioritization of military spending over public health. The ELN's unilateral ceasefire during the pandemic contrasts with the government's continued military operations. Uriel foresees a post-pandemic world where capitalism's flaws are exposed, potentially leading to increased social movements and demands for systemic change.

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ELN Colombian Government FARC

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Based out of the city of Medellin, I have covered Colombia and Latin America for a wide range of media outlets including the Miami Herald, the Independent, the Toronto Star and Sky News. I work predominantly in print, but have also produced videos, photography and multimedia work and have done TV ...

A cocaine boom could derail Colombia's peace process

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Colombian Conflict

Colombia's peace process with the FARC is threatened by a surge in cocaine production, despite significant US anti-narcotics aid. The 2016 peace agreement has led to a complex situation where coca cultivation has increased due to various economic and social factors. The Colombian government faces challenges in implementing its coca eradication strategy, with armed groups and mafias quickly filling the power vacuum left by the FARC. The government's promises to tackle the coca trade are ambitious but have so far fallen short, risking further conflict and undermining the peace process.

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National Liberation Army (ELN) FARC Colombian Government United Nations Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces (AGC) Peace and Reconciliation Foundation

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Journalist/Producer @CNN @Vice @CBS @BusinessInsider @ajenglish @Guardian @TheDailyBeast @Proceso @El_universal_mx @efenoticias

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Colombian Presidential Candidate Wants to End Cartel Violence With Free Drugs

07 Jun 2022  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Cartel Violence

Colombian presidential candidate Rodolfo Hernández proposes providing free drugs to addicts to curb cartel violence, arguing it would eliminate demand and thus the drug trade. His opponent, Gustavo Petro, advocates for using capitalism and cannabis to combat the drug war. Both candidates face skepticism from voters and security analysts. Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer, continues to struggle with violence from armed groups like Clan del Golfo, despite past efforts like the U.S.-funded Plan Colombia.

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ELN Clan del Golfo InSight Crime U.S. Government

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Elizabeth Dickinson is a Deca journalist based in the Arabian Peninsula. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Foreign Policy, The Economist, Politico Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and The Financial Times, among others. 
Elizabeth was ...

The war in the south of Bolívar

04 May 2024  |  La Silla Vacía  |  Spanish  |  Protests

In the south of Bolívar, Colombia, violence has escalated with the presence of dominant groups like the ELN, Farc dissidents, and the Gaitanistas, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. Tibú, a municipality in Norte de Santander, has witnessed severe violence, including the murder of two young individuals. The Colombian government suspects a possible alliance between Farc dissidents and the ELN following recent attacks, including a car bomb in Cúcuta and an attack on President Iván Duque's helicopter. Nationwide protests have erupted due to pandemic-related stress, police violence, and perceived government disconnect, highlighting deep-rooted issues of inequality and impunity.

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ELN Farc Colombian Government

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Jewel Fraser is a freelance journalist who writes for Inter Press Service on climate change issues; she formerly wrote for the International New York Times on architecture and real estate; and for the Miami Herald on current affairs. She is also a freelance copyeditor and copywriter.

She holds ...

Illegal mining in Venezuela threatens to contaminate fish stocks in South America, Caribbean

27 Jul 2023  |  www.seafoodsource.com  |  English  |  Fish Contamination

Riverine communities along Venezuela's Orinoco River are suffering due to illegal mining activities controlled by armed cartels, including the ELN and FARC, with support from the Venezuelan military. The illegal mining is causing environmental damage, including mercury contamination in fish, affecting local and neighboring countries' fish stocks. Efforts to ensure accountability and access to environmental impact reports have been unsuccessful. Researchers and journalists highlight the severe social and health impacts on local communities and the need for monitoring and restoration efforts.

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ELN FARC Venezuelan Military National Guard Pranes Sindicatos

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I’m Megan Janetsky, a reporter and photographer based in Medellín, Colombia. I covering migration, women's issues and politics across Latin America.

I am a 2019 Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting grantee and the Colombia/Venezuela stringer for USA Today. I've worked with The New York Times, ...

I live in fear: can Colombia’s new president ease violence at the border?

24 Aug 2022  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Politics

The article explores the challenges and hopes surrounding Colombia's new president, Gustavo Petro, as he aims to normalize relations with Venezuela, reduce poverty, and achieve peace in a region plagued by violence and smuggling. Residents of border towns like La Parada, affected by armed groups and economic hardship, express cautious optimism about potential changes. The article highlights the historical context of Colombia-Venezuela relations, the impact of border closures, and the complex dynamics involving various armed groups. Experts caution that significant hurdles remain for Petro's ambitious agenda, including political opposition and economic challenges.

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National Liberation Army (ELN) Crisis Group Colombian Government Venezuelan Government

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Patricia Khoder is a highly experienced journalist. She is passionate about the everyday stories of real people caught up in the events of the Middle East and complex interrelationship between local and international institutions and politics that impact on their lives. 
Born in Beirut, Patricia ...

Lebanon marks a somber Ramadan this year

06 Apr 2023  |  www.arabnews.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Lebanon is experiencing a somber Ramadan amid a severe economic crisis, with the Lebanese pound's value plummeting and over 82 percent of the population living in poverty. Traditional festive meals are being replaced with cheaper alternatives, and many rely on charity food banks. The crisis has led to a lack of access to bank accounts, medicine, and electricity, with people struggling to afford basic necessities. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is also dire, with food aid challenges and the impact of war on the community. Meanwhile, in Iraq, farmers like Mohammed Sami are turning to water-saving irrigation systems provided by the UN World Food Programme to combat drought and revive agriculture.

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Ras el-Nabeh Initiative World Bank Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia UN

Ilaria Landini is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a background in literature and a keen interest in world affairs. She has traveled to cover key global events, including Russia’s 2024 elections and Ukraine's 2022 invasion, where she documented the work of volunteers delivering ...

Manuel Cristopher Figuera, former director of Sebin: 'Maduro clings to power with a repressive apparatus that acts as an occupying army against his own people'

17 Sept 2024  |  www.lanacion.com.ar  |  Spanish  |  Nicolás Maduro's Regime

Manuel Cristopher Figuera, former director of Venezuela's intelligence agency Sebin, discusses the repressive measures of Nicolás Maduro's regime, describing it as a machine of terror and persecution. Figuera, who defected in 2019, reveals internal operations and accuses Maduro of ordering human rights violations to maintain power. He highlights the involvement of paramilitary groups and alliances with Colombian guerrillas like FARC and ELN. Despite facing resistance, Figuera attempted reforms during his tenure, focusing on human rights and due process. The article underscores the regime's oppressive tactics and the challenges faced by those opposing it.

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ELN Sebin FARC

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Federico Larsen is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
-Giornalista bilingue italiano-spagnolo, specializzato in politica internazionale e membro dell'Istituto di Relazioni Internazionali dell'Università Nazionale di La Plata. Lunga esperienza in radio, giornali e riviste.
-Periodista ...

The World This Week

21 Nov 2022  |  Limes  |  Italian  |  Peace Negotiations

The article covers several global issues, including the European energy crisis exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the inconclusive outcomes of the COP-27 climate conference, and a significant long-term gas supply agreement between Qatar and China. It also discusses the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, highlighting recent political maneuvers and international mediation efforts. Additionally, it reports on the peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the ELN guerrilla group, emphasizing the regional and international implications of these talks.

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Esercito di Liberazione Nazionale (Eln) European Union NATO Kfor

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Gideon Long is a journalist based in Santiago, Chile.

How the Colombia election could change Latin America

19 May 2022  |  www.almendron.com  |  English  |  Latin American Politics

The upcoming Colombian presidential election, with Gustavo Petro leading in the polls, could significantly alter the political landscape in Latin America. Petro, a former M-19 guerrilla, proposes radical changes to Colombia's economic model and foreign policy, including rethinking the US-Colombia alliance and legalizing the drug trade. His rise is fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo and a hunger for change among Colombians. If elected, Petro's government would be the most radical in Colombia's modern history, potentially impacting relations with the US and neighboring Venezuela.

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National Liberation Army (ELN) M-19 US Government Nato Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) Inter-American Development Bank Fedegán National Business Association of Colombia Banco de la República Historic Pact Fedesarrollo

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As an experienced journalist with nearly 30 years of reporting under my belt, I have covered a diverse range of news events from my base in Caracas, Venezuela, and  special coverages in Colombia, México and Honduras. Throughout my career, I have worked as a correspondent for respected media outlets ...

UN receives green light to monitor peace agreement between the Colombian government and ELN

03 Aug 2023  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Colombian Conflict

The UN Security Council unanimously authorized the UN political mission in Colombia to verify the ceasefire agreement between the government and the ELN, Colombia's largest remaining guerrilla group. The resolution also expressed willingness to do the same for a truce with another armed group, the Estado Mayor Central. The UN has been monitoring a 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, which ended over 50 years of conflict. The Colombian government requested the UN mission's mandate be extended to include the June truce with the ELN. The Security Council hopes the agreement will improve the humanitarian situation and encouraged adherence to international humanitarian laws. The UN mission, expiring on October 31, includes 120 observers, with authorization for 68 more and a suitable civilian component to verify the ELN ceasefire. The council is open to further expanding the UN mission if an agreement with the Estado Mayor Central is reached. The article also touches on political repression in Venezuela by Maduro's regime, concerns raised by Amnesty International, and the non-renewal of a US license for oil and gas transactions with Venezuela due to unfulfilled electoral commitments.

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ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) United Nations Colombian Government FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) State Department Amnesty International International Criminal Court

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Ana Martins is a journalist based in Lisbon. 
And also a Screenwriter, Film Director, Copywriter, Voice-Over and Radio Host.

Luis Díaz asks for the freedom of his father, kidnapped nine days ago

06 Nov 2023  |  Metrópoles  |  Portuguese  |  Colombian Conflict

Luis Díaz, a Liverpool footballer, has made a public appeal to the ELN guerrilla group for the release of his father, who was kidnapped nine days ago. Díaz's mother was also kidnapped but has since been rescued. The Colombian government has identified the ELN as responsible and is actively working to secure his father's release. The ELN has acknowledged the kidnapping as a mistake and promised to release Díaz's father once it is safe. This incident raises questions about the ELN's commitment to ongoing peace negotiations with the Colombian government.

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ELN Colombian Government

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Lluis Muñoz Pandiella is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

Colombia: Towards 'total peace' or partial peace?

14 Dec 2023  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Conflict

Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first left-wing president, initiated the 'total peace' project to negotiate with all armed groups simultaneously, aiming to end conflicts that have plagued the country for 60 years. Despite initial support, the government's errors, the complexity of armed groups, and societal opposition have weakened the project. Key setbacks included the ELN's denial of a ceasefire agreement and the suspension of ceasefires with other groups. Public opinion has turned, with many Colombians doubting the feasibility of 'total peace.' The government has struggled to pass crucial legislation and has seen an increase in kidnappings and other crimes. Petro replaced Danilo Rueda with Otty Patiño as High Commissioner for Peace, signaling a potential shift in the peace process. The article suggests that the focus may shift from 'total peace' to a more targeted approach, particularly with the ELN, to end 60 years of political conflict.

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ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) Government of Colombia FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia)

I'm a freelance journalist, based in Bogotá, Colombia. I cover human rights, gender equality, social movements, culture and the environment. My work has appeared in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Vice, NACLA, Women's Media Center, Remezcla and more. 

As a Texas-born Colombian-American, I strive to ...

Amid uptick in kidnappings, Colombian family receives ‘biggest gift of all’

25 Dec 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Colombian Conflict

The article discusses the recent surge in kidnappings in Colombia, highlighting the personal stories of victims like Jhon Jairo Diaz and Fabián Arias. Despite a 2016 peace deal that initially reduced kidnappings, the crime has resurged due to the activities of armed groups like the ELN. The article criticizes President Gustavo Petro's security policies and highlights grassroots efforts by families to secure the release of their loved ones. Recent agreements by armed groups to suspend kidnappings for ransom have been met with skepticism, as they have not committed to releasing current hostages. The Diaz family celebrates the return of Jhon Jairo just before Christmas, emphasizing the importance of family unity.

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National Liberation Army (ELN) Defence Ministry Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Crisis Group Ideas for Peace Foundation Office of the High Commissioner for Peace Ministry of National Defence Ombudsman’s Office

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Gustavo Ocando Alex is an experienced journalist and newspaper editor based in Maracaibo, western Venezuela. He currently develops his journalist career as a freelancer for Voice of America, BBC Mundo, The Miami Herald (USA), NPR (USA), Armando.Info (Caracas, Venezuela) and has collaborated with ...

Top 5 News from Venezuela on August 9, 2023: Decision in Portugal on Frozen Millions, and More

09 Aug 2023  |  Voz de América  |  Spanish  |  Immigration

A judicial ruling in Portugal has ordered the unfreezing of $1.5 billion claimed by the government of Nicolás Maduro, which was contested by the Venezuelan opposition due to U.S. administrative measures. Colombia's Prosecutor's Office accused the ELN guerrilla group of planning an attack against the country's Attorney General, Francisco Barbosa, from Venezuela, which the ELN denied. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed concern over government intervention in their Venezuelan branch. The cost of the basic basket of goods and services in Venezuela was reported at $509.34 in July. In Trinidad and Tobago, a judge ordered the release of 64 Venezuelan migrants from a detention center due to delays in their deportation.

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ELN (National Liberation Army) Nova Bank Government of Nicolás Maduro International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Centro de Divulgación del Conocimiento Económico para la Libertad

Catalina Oquendo is a colombian journalist based in Buenos Aires. She works for the main newspaper in Colombia during 12 years covering armed conflict, social affairs and cultural affairs. Kiplinger Fellow 2015, won Simon Bolívar Award in Colombia and she was finalist  Online News Association award ...

The massacres reveal the new face of the conflict in Colombia

29 Aug 2020  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Peace Process

The reconfiguration and fragmentation of the conflict in Colombia have made it difficult to identify the perpetrators of recent massacres, which have claimed at least 45 lives this month alone. The violence, affecting rural areas across five regions, has not been effectively addressed by President Iván Duque's government. Various armed groups, including ex-FARC dissidents, ELN, and paramilitary remnants like the Clan del Golfo, are implicated. Analysts argue that the conflict has evolved, necessitating a more comprehensive governmental response. The International Committee of the Red Cross highlights multiple ongoing conflicts, while the UN reports a rise in massacres and social leader assassinations. The government attributes the violence primarily to narcotrafficking, but experts suggest a more nuanced understanding is required.

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ELN Government of Colombia United Nations International Committee of the Red Cross FARC Clan del Golfo EPL

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Her journalistic debut began in 2007 as a general assignment intern for El Carabobeno news paper. Only one year later, she became news reporter for a local TV station in her hometown Maracay, Venezuela where she covered major events such as Venezuela Presidential Elections, political campaigns, ...

The ELN denies having discussed a bilateral ceasefire with the Government of Gustavo Petro

03 Jan 2023  |  cnnespanol.cnn.com  |  Spanish  |  Colombian Politics

The ELN has denied reaching a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the Colombian government, contradicting President Gustavo Petro's announcement of a six-month ceasefire starting January 1, 2023. The ELN stated that no such agreement has been discussed and that the proposal will be examined in the next dialogue cycle in Mexico. Petro's announcement included other groups such as Segunda Marquetalia and Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, aiming to suspend humanitarian impacts and offensive actions, with the possibility of extending the agreement based on negotiation progress.

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ELN Government of Colombia Segunda Marquetalia Estado Mayor Central Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia Autodefensas de la Sierra Nevada

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Joe Parkin Daniels is a journalist based in Bogota, Colombia.

The 23-year-old fashion designer dressing Colombia’s first black female vice-president

06 Aug 2022  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Social Issues

Esteban Sinisterra Paz, a young Afro-Colombian fashion designer, created outfits for Francia Márquez, Colombia's first black female vice-president-elect. Márquez, an environmental activist, and Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla and ex-mayor of Bogotá, represent a leftist shift in the country's governance. Their election is seen as a victory for marginalized communities. Colombia faces challenges such as inflation, high cocaine production, and the Venezuelan refugee crisis. Márquez's supporters view her as an opportunity to advance the rights of Colombia's poorest, with plans to establish a ministry for equality.

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National Liberation Army (ELN) Colombian Government Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc)

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Vanesa Restrepo is a journalist based in Medellín - Antioquia, Colombia.

Indigenous family falls on minefield in Antioquia

09 Aug 2020  |  www.elcolombiano.com  |  Spanish  |  Landmines

An indigenous family in Antioquia, Colombia, suffered a tragedy when Nevardo Bailarín died and his wife and daughter were injured by a landmine. The incident occurred in the indigenous community of Antadó-Arenera, between Frontino and Dabeiba. The Organización Indígena de Antioquia (OIA) reported the event, highlighting the ongoing danger of landmines in the area, which has been exacerbated by disputes between the Eln and the Clan del Golfo over control of a crucial drug trafficking route. Local leader Gloria Domicó expressed the fear that women in the community feel due to the presence of armed groups. The OIA issued a statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of all armed actors from indigenous territories and calling for genuine guarantees for the construction of a stable and lasting peace.

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Eln Organización Indígena de Antioquia (OIA) Clan del Golfo

I'm a journalist based in Medellín , Colombia (but I often go to Bogotá, as well). I've worked with multimedia contents and I also have experience as writer and producer for printed, TV and digital media outlets. I have a Sony FX6 camera and I'm available to travel to any place in the country. I'm ...

Colombian authorities investigate attack on helicopter carrying President Duque

26 Jun 2021  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Incident

Colombian authorities are investigating an attack on a helicopter carrying President Iván Duque Márquez and other high-ranking officials. The incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in Colombia, with concerns about the vulnerability of the government's security measures. Two rifles, including one with markings from the Venezuelan Armed Forces, were found near the attack site. The attack follows a recent car bomb explosion at a military base in Cúcuta. Various political figures and analysts have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the country's security apparatus.

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ELN Fuerza Aérea Colombiana Policía Nacional Fuerzas Armadas de Venezuela Fuerzas Militares de Colombia EPL FARC

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I'm a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia with three years of experience in broadcast and investigative journalism. You can watch some of my TV pieces on these links: 

1. Regresaron a la zona de tragedia - ****

2. Fiscal de fiscales en aprietos por correos agresivos a columnista - ****

3. ...

Coltan, gold, and clandestine airstrips: the loot with which armed groups bleed Guainía

12 Dec 2023  |  es.mongabay.com  |  Spanish  |  Organized Crime

The Puinawai Reserve in southeastern Colombia is severely impacted by illegal gold and coltan mining, controlled by armed groups such as FARC dissidents and ELN. Satellite images from 2023 reveal significant deforestation. The illegal mining operations have led to environmental degradation, including deforestation and contamination of water sources. The minerals are trafficked through complex networks involving local and international actors. Despite efforts by authorities, the illegal activities continue, driven by high international demand for coltan, essential for electronic devices. The situation highlights the intersection of environmental destruction and organized crime in the Amazon region.

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ELN FARC Guardia Venezolana Fiscalía General de la Nación de Colombia Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación Periodística (CLIP) Parques Nacionales Naturales UNODC

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Angélica Trejos is a journalist based in Bogota, Colombia.
Comunicadora Social, periodista y presentadora con actualización en Comunicación Estratégica, consultoría de imagen personal y profesional y periodismo de salud.
Con más de 10 años de experiencia en realización de notas periodisticas, ...

El Micay, Colombia: a canyon at war

20 May 2024  |  projects.voanews.com  |  Spanish  |  Indigenous Rights

The article explores the ongoing conflict in the Cañón del Micay region of Colombia, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities due to the presence of armed groups and the cultivation of coca. The Colombian government's efforts to combat these issues, including military operations and proposed economic transformations, are met with skepticism by residents and experts. Indigenous leaders and local residents express concerns over violence, displacement, and the limited presence of the state. The article also addresses the socio-economic factors driving coca cultivation and the need for sustainable alternatives.

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ELN National Army of Colombia FARC dissidents Clan del Golfo Colombian Government

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