Week of November 2

2026-W45: Nov 2 – November 8, 2026
FINAL: Last update November 6, 2026
COUNTRIES IN THE NEWS: United Kingdom
NEWS LANGUAGE: English
Español (original)

Antonio Navarro Wolff, M-19 ex-commander and 1991 constitution architect, dies at 78

First published Mon, Nov 2

Antonio Navarro Wolff, a former M-19 commander who went on to preside over the 1991 National Constituent Assembly, died on 1 November, his family confirmed. He was 78. Outlets described him as one of the architects of Colombia's current constitution.1 2 3 4

Navarro Wolff was a historic figure of the Colombian left: an ex-guerrilla of the M-19 who became president of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1991 charter. El Colombiano's farewell called him the former M-19 commander who came to preside over the Constituent Assembly.1 5 6

A bomb attack in Cali cost him a leg and left him with difficulty speaking. Infobae reported that more than 100 fragments entered his body, and that he was left speaking with a "half tongue" and without one leg. El Tiempo recalled the attack in Cali, where his leg was amputated.7 8

In a magazine interview, Navarro Wolff described living with one leg and said his greatest pride was dancing "like a spinning top." El País summed up his career with the phrase "Navarro kept his word."6 9

Truck bomb near Planadas military base in Tolima kills four, including a two-month-old baby

First published Mon, Nov 2

A truck loaded with explosives detonated near a military base in Planadas, Tolima, killing four people, among them a two-month-old baby. The attack was reportedly carried out with a dump truck packed with explosives and bomb-carrying drones.1 2 3 4

Adriana Matiz, the governor of Tolima, confirmed the death toll of four, including the two-month-old baby. She rejected the attack and announced coordinated actions with the municipal administration and the security forces.5 6

The blast is part of a wave of violence in Colombia, and the casualty count was described as a preliminary balance in the first reports.1 4

Colombia ends 36-year Fiduprevisora contract at teachers' health fund Fomag

First published Mon, Nov 2

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

The government of President Abelardo de La Espriella has decided not to renew Fomag's 36-year contract with Fiduprevisora, the first step toward reforming the health system that covers Colombia's teachers. The Education Ministry said the decision was reached after the government reviewed how the contract had been handled.1 2 3

The teachers' union Fecode defended the magisterio's existing health regime and warned that Fomag faces a deficit of 2.6 billion pesos. The union's position puts it at odds with the government's push to restructure the fund.4 1

Attributed claim: Coverage of the decision divides along the government's rationale and the union's warning. El Tiempo, a centre outlet, led on Fecode's defense of the health regime and the 2.6 billion peso deficit, while Portafolio.co, centre-right, and El Espectador, centre-left, focused on the government's stated reasons for ending the 36-year contract.4 2 5

El Espectador described the break with Fiduprevisora as a decision that was already expected, framing it as the outcome of a long-building dispute rather than a sudden move. The Education Ministry presented the non-renewal as the point the government reached after reviewing the contract.5 3

Colombia's Republican Party rejects new taxes and proposes public spending cuts to counter fiscal rescue bill

First published Tue, Nov 3

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

The Republican Party rejected new taxes and proposed cuts to public spending in Colombia, setting out a counter-proposal to the government's fiscal adjustment bill. The party argues that taxes slow the economy.1 2

The fiscal rescue bill filed in Congress by the government of Abelardo De La Espriella faces obstacles over time and the family basket, according to Portafolio.co. The bill combines a tax overhaul, a cut to the public payroll, and provisions for the sale of state assets.3 4

José Manuel Restrepo explained why he and De La Espriella said during the campaign that there would be no more taxes and now propose them.1 2

Attributed claim: El Colombiano (centre-right) reported that Abelardo's government is pressuring Congress with the default, as Petro did. El Espectador (centre-left) framed the government's approach as having seen through the middle class.4 5

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake centred in Tolima shakes Bogotá, Cali and Medellín at dawn

First published Tue, Nov 3

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Colombia in the early hours of Tuesday 3 November, with its epicentre in Tolima. The tremor was felt in Bogotá, Cali and other cities, and also in Medellín and the Valle de Aburrá.1 2 3

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán issued a first assessment of the earthquake's effects in the capital. The mayor's office gave the initial balance for Bogotá.4

Two tremors shook Colombia at the start of November, according to the SGC, the Colombian geological service. No damage or injuries were reported.5

Also this week

Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.

ELN confirms it is holding army Second Lieutenant María Camila Pantoja in Arauca as troops searchFri, Nov 6The ELN confirmed it is holding Second Lieutenant María Camila Pantoja of the National Army, who was kidnapped in Saravena, Arauca department. The guerrilla group said any attempt to rescue her could put her life at risk. Operations to find her continued in rural areas of Arauca.

ELN confirms it is holding army Second Lieutenant María Camila Pantoja in Arauca as troops search

First published Fri, Nov 6

The ELN confirmed it is holding Second Lieutenant María Camila Pantoja of the National Army, who was kidnapped in Saravena, Arauca department. The guerrilla group said any attempt to rescue her could put her life at risk. Operations to find her continued in rural areas of Arauca.1 2 3

Caracol Radio reported that two ELN figures known as 'Cabras' and 'Boyaco' are identified in the case. Authorities offered a reward of 100 million pesos for information. Pantoja's father spoke publicly after the kidnapping and asked her captors to respect her life.4 5 2

The Defensoría del Pueblo demanded Pantoja's immediate release. The office said she was kidnapped in Saravena, Arauca.6

Abelardo de la Espriella reacted to the kidnapping, saying: "They picked the wrong government." Infobae, a centre-right outlet, reported the remark and identified Pantoja as María Camila Pantoja Hernández, a subintendent.7

Colombia's central bank raises 2026 inflation forecast to 7.1 percent and cuts growth outlookFri, Nov 6Colombia's central bank raised its inflation projection for this year and now expects the rate to close 2026 at 7.1 percent, above what it had previously forecast. The bank's October monetary policy report also lowered its growth forecast, saying gross domestic product will expand less than projected.

Colombia's central bank raises 2026 inflation forecast to 7.1 percent and cuts growth outlook

First published Fri, Nov 6

Colombia's central bank raised its inflation projection for this year and now expects the rate to close 2026 at 7.1 percent, above what it had previously forecast. The bank's October monetary policy report also lowered its growth forecast, saying gross domestic product will expand less than projected.1 2 3

Inflation will keep rising through 2026 and return to the bank's 3 percent target only during 2028, according to the projection. The higher cost of living will remain a challenge for Colombian households.4 5

The revised forecasts come in the Banco de la República's October monetary policy report, which sets out where the bank's technical team sees inflation and the economy heading.3 6 7

Petro faces criminal inquiry over 54-second video as contractor Deicy Jiménez offers phone to prosecutorsThu, Nov 5A 54-second video showing former president Gustavo Petro with Deicy Jiménez, a state contractor, has been published and examined for what it shows. Jiménez has said she will hand her mobile phone to the Fiscalía for forensic extraction in the case.

Petro faces criminal inquiry over 54-second video as contractor Deicy Jiménez offers phone to prosecutors

First published Thu, Nov 5

BACKGROUND

Deicy Jiménez, a former sex worker who says she had an intimate relationship with Gustavo Petro, has brought a complaint against the president centered on alleged sexual contracts in his government — state contracts granted in exchange for sexual favors. In late October she appeared before Colombia's Supreme Court to reaffirm the complaint, which also names María José Pizarro, and said she would hand over her mobile phone and could provide around 40 names. The Attorney General's Office summoned her to testify about the alleged contracts, and the government announced protection measures for her after she denounced an alleged network of instrumentalized women during Petro's administration.

EARLIER ON KÜRESEL

Deicy Jiménez reaffirms complaint against Petro at Supreme Court and offers to hand over her phone

A 54-second video showing former president Gustavo Petro with Deicy Jiménez, a state contractor, has been published and examined for what it shows. Jiménez has said she will hand her mobile phone to the Fiscalía for forensic extraction in the case.1 2

Petro's defense called the recording "a fragment without a date" and disputed what it establishes. Outlets have also set out the criminal charges Petro could face over alleged contracts granted in exchange for sexual favors.3 4

Representative Jennifer Pedraza sent a message to Petro after the scandal over the alleged "sexocontratos" became public.5

Medellín council approves new land-use plan aimed at 220,000 homesThu, Nov 5Medellín's Concejo approved the revision of the city's POT, the land-use plan, in a vote that sets the framework for new housing and public facilities. The plan targets the creation of 220,000 homes. The approval followed a second debate in the council, where the final decision was taken.

Medellín council approves new land-use plan aimed at 220,000 homes

First published Thu, Nov 5

Medellín's Concejo approved the revision of the city's POT, the land-use plan, in a vote that sets the framework for new housing and public facilities. The plan targets the creation of 220,000 homes. The approval followed a second debate in the council, where the final decision was taken.1 2 3

Under the revised plan, public facilities are to sit within a short walk of mass transit. The Medellín mayor's office presented the change as part of the POT renewal.4 3

The revision also introduces restrictions on tourist housing, one of the changes debated before the council vote.5 3

Radar failure at Bogotá's El Dorado airport delays dozens of flights and cancels at least eightThu, Nov 5A radar failure at Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport delayed dozens of flights, and control-tower screens went dark. Aerocivil issued a statement explaining what happened. Operations at the airport were halted, and at least eight flights were cancelled across Colombian airports.

Radar failure at Bogotá's El Dorado airport delays dozens of flights and cancels at least eight

First published Thu, Nov 5

A radar failure at Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport delayed dozens of flights, and control-tower screens went dark. Aerocivil issued a statement explaining what happened. Operations at the airport were halted, and at least eight flights were cancelled across Colombian airports.1 2 3 4

The failure was not confined to Bogotá. Radar problems were also reported at José María Córdova airport in Rionegro, where three flights were cancelled.5 1 4

Air traffic controllers warned that repeated radar failures put aviation safety at risk and demanded answers from Aerocivil.6 7

Colombia's JEP charges Timochenko and Pastor Alape with war crimes and crimes against humanityWed, Nov 4Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has charged former FARC commanders Rodrigo Londoño, known as 'Timochenko', and Pastor Alape with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges include a car-bomb attack and the 2002 attack against Álvaro Uribe.

Colombia's JEP charges Timochenko and Pastor Alape with war crimes and crimes against humanity

First published Wed, Nov 4

BACKGROUND

Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) is the transitional tribunal created under the 2016 peace agreement to try crimes committed during the country's armed conflict. The FARC, the guerrilla movement that signed that accord, is the main body of defendants before it; its former commanders, including Rodrigo Londoño ('Timochenko') and Pastor Alape, have faced repeated rounds of charges before the JEP.

The JEP has previously indicted and convicted former FARC commanders over wartime crimes. In January 2021 a court charged former FARC commanders with war crimes, and reporting that month described the tribunal exposing the guerrillas' kidnapping practices. In November 2024 the JEP indicted ex-FARC commanders on war crimes and child recruitment, and in September 2025 it sentenced former FARC chiefs over mass kidnappings and convicted seven ex-leaders of wartime crimes.

Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has charged former FARC commanders Rodrigo Londoño, known as 'Timochenko', and Pastor Alape with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges include a car-bomb attack and the 2002 attack against Álvaro Uribe.1 2 3

The JEP charged 11 former FARC commanders over serious crimes committed by the Caribbean and Magdalena Medio blocs in northern Colombia. The imputations cover war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Caribbean and Magdalena Medio regions.4 5 6

Separately, the JEP summoned six former FARC chiefs to acknowledge the recruitment of more than 18,000 minors.7

Colombia's Congress passes De la Espriella's submission law, leaving only presidential sanctionWed, Nov 4Senate and Chamber of Representatives approved the government's Ley de Sometimiento in identical form, avoiding a conciliation process. The bill now needs only the Government's sanction to become law.

Colombia's Congress passes De la Espriella's submission law, leaving only presidential sanction

First published Wed, Nov 4

Senate and Chamber of Representatives approved the government's Ley de Sometimiento in identical form, avoiding a conciliation process. The bill now needs only the Government's sanction to become law.1 2 3

The Chamber of Representatives approved the submission law of Abelardo De la Espriella's government, according to Caracol Radio and La Silla Vacía. The Senate had already passed the same text, which is why no conciliation was needed.2 3

Representative Daniel Briceño denied that a procedural defect had arisen in the Chamber's debate on the submission law.4

El Espectador reported the opinion of the Council on Criminal Policy (Consejo de Política Criminal) on the submission law.5

Bancolombia calls its 2027 minimum wage figure the most reasonable as debate opensWed, Nov 4Debate over Colombia's 2027 minimum wage has opened, with several figures on the table and no agreement yet. Bancolombia put forward the increase it called the most "reasonable" for the pay of millions of workers.

Bancolombia calls its 2027 minimum wage figure the most reasonable as debate opens

First published Wed, Nov 4

Debate over Colombia's 2027 minimum wage has opened, with several figures on the table and no agreement yet. Bancolombia put forward the increase it called the most "reasonable" for the pay of millions of workers.1 2

El Tiempo reported that a daily wage of 17,500 pesos could threaten inflation and employment. El Espectador addressed the increase through the lens of economic culture.3 4

A legal challenge to this year's decree setting the minimum wage remains unresolved, El Nuevo Siglo reported.5

Colombia's inspector general files disciplinary charges against former mayor Daniel QuinteroTue, Nov 3Colombia's Office of the Inspector General (Procuraduría General de la Nación) has filed disciplinary charges against Daniel Quintero, identified in the charges as former superintendent of health (exsuperintendente de Salud), over alleged improper participation in politics. The case is set to go to a disciplinary trial.

Colombia's inspector general files disciplinary charges against former mayor Daniel Quintero

First published Tue, Nov 3

BACKGROUND

In late October 2026, Daniel Quintero's brother, Miguel Quintero, was sent to prison in a corruption case involving the Metropolitan Area, and Quintero publicly defended him and later said his brother had been mistreated during transfer to a prison in Cómbita, Boyacá. Federico Gutiérrez, identified in that coverage as mayor of Medellín, called for all those implicated to answer. Earlier, in early October 2026, a court ruled in Gutiérrez's favour, finding he would not have to retract statements he had made against Quintero.

The Procuraduría General de la Nación is Colombia's Office of the Inspector General, the state body that investigates and disciplines public officials. Daniel Quintero is a former mayor of Medellín; the current charges identify him as former superintendent of health.

Colombia's Office of the Inspector General (Procuraduría General de la Nación) has filed disciplinary charges against Daniel Quintero, identified in the charges as former superintendent of health (exsuperintendente de Salud), over alleged improper participation in politics. The case is set to go to a disciplinary trial.1 2 3

El Colombiano reported that the disciplinary trial also covers five former senior officials of Quintero's administration, tying the proceeding to another branch of the Aguas Vivas case. Quintero is also referred to as a former mayor of Medellín in the coverage.4 3

President Federico Gutiérrez reacted to the announcement with a short post: "One more." The remark was reported by Semana the same day the charges became public.5

The charges concern alleged improper involvement in politics rather than the Aguas Vivas contracts themselves, according to the inspector general's office. No ruling has been issued; the case now moves to the disciplinary trial stage.1 4

London court resumes hearings on Colombia's extradition request for Zulma Guzmán over thallium poisoningsMon, Nov 2A London court resumed hearings to decide whether Zulma Guzmán will be extradited to Colombia, where she is accused of poisoning two minors with thallium in Bogotá. The hearings put her back before judges after earlier proceedings.

London court resumes hearings on Colombia's extradition request for Zulma Guzmán over thallium poisonings

First published Mon, Nov 2

A London court resumed hearings to decide whether Zulma Guzmán will be extradited to Colombia, where she is accused of poisoning two minors with thallium in Bogotá. The hearings put her back before judges after earlier proceedings.1 2

El Nogal submitted new evidence about Guzmán's movements before the hearing, according to El Tiempo and Pulzo. The material concerns the movements of a woman accused in the deaths of two girls by thallium poisoning.3 4

A lawyer and a journalist gave their reading of the case ahead of the hearing in England, Noticias Caracol reported. The hearing is the proceeding that will determine whether she is sent to Colombia.5