Recent massacres in Colombia have sparked concerns of a return to the country's violent past. Despite the government's claims of reduced homicide rates, international organizations report mass killings and attacks on social movement leaders. The UNHCHR has called on Colombia to act against the violence. Observers attribute some security improvements to the peace agreement with FARC but note increased political violence and conflict with ELN. Military credibility is at a twenty-year low, marred by scandals, corruption, and sexual violence investigations. The government's response to attacks has been increased military deployment, while new rebel groups and paramilitaries vie for control of drug trafficking routes. Senator Roy Barreras criticizes President Duque for politicizing the military and losing territorial control, a decline he describes in three phases over the last two years.

Since Colombia closed its borders on March 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic, at least 4,500 Colombians have reported being stranded abroad, with 2,300 seeking assistance to return home. The Colombian Ministry of Transport and Migración Colombia have communicated that no flights will be allowed into the country, including humanitarian exceptions. Colombians abroad are facing visa expirations, financial difficulties, and lack of support, with some requiring medical attention. Efforts by consulates and embassies to provide temporary economic assistance for basic needs are underway. Conflicting statements from the government have caused further distress among those affected.

Colombian President Iván Duque has announced a 30-day ban on international passenger flights to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the decision as painful but necessary. Colombians and foreigners in transit have until midnight Sunday to travel via air terminals. Post-March 23, the exit of foreigners will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The country had previously allowed nationals and foreign residents to enter with mandatory quarantine. The decision follows evidence of inadequate controls at airports and public pressure. Avianca, Colombia's main airline, will ground 132 of its 142 aircraft, maintaining only 10 for domestic service.

The Supreme Court of Colombia has initiated a formal investigation against former president and current senator Álvaro Uribe over alleged vote buying to benefit President Iván Duque's campaign. The investigation was sparked by a phone call between a now-deceased drug trafficker, José Guillermo Hernández, and Uribe's advisor, María Claudia Daza, discussing under-the-table money for votes. Uribe and Duque have denied receiving campaign contributions from Hernández and claim ignorance of his criminal activities. The Attorney General's office, led by Francisco Barbosa, a close friend of Duque, has been criticized for potentially obstructing the investigation.

A group of Catholic women in Colombia, Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir (Cdd), are advocating for the right to abortion as the country's Constitutional Court prepares to respond to a demand that seeks to make abortion illegal in all cases. The group, which began in Uruguay and spread across Latin America, bases its arguments on liberation theology and social justice, emphasizing the inequality and risks poor women face due to the criminalization of abortion. Despite threats of excommunication and social media attacks, they continue to push for reproductive autonomy and challenge the patriarchal stances of the Catholic Church. The current debate in Colombia, a secular state, has been polarized, with political figures like former president Álvaro Uribe proposing a referendum to counter potential decriminalization. The group's work includes outreach in local communities and emphasizes moral agency and personal decision-making in matters of abortion.

In Colombia, the abortion debate has reignited, 14 years after it was legalized under three circumstances: fetal malformation, sexual violence, or risk to the woman's physical or mental health. A citizen's demand calls for revisiting the ruling to reinstate a total ban. The Constitutional Court is expected to rule soon, while conservative and Uribismo-affiliated congress members push for Congress to debate the issue. A high-profile case involves a man accusing his ex-partner of homicide for terminating a pregnancy at seven months. Profamilia, a private service provider, asserts the procedure was legal. Bogotá's mayor Claudia López, and other advocates, call for total decriminalization, citing barriers and stigmatization faced by women. Despite legal exceptions, women still face criminalization, with 2,290 women charged with abortion between 2005 and 2017. The Ministry of Health reports 828 women died from 2005 to 2017 due to unsafe abortions.

Colombian literature is reflecting a period of transition after a half-century-long conflict, following the peace agreement. Writers like José Fajardo, Sergio Álvarez, and Pablo Montoya explore themes of memory, identity, and the fragile peace through their narratives. The literature serves as a mirror to society, offering a means to process collective trauma and envision a future beyond violence. The article also discusses the role of non-fiction works by figures such as former President Juan Manuel Santos and ex-combatant Martín Cruz Vega in shaping the official narrative of Colombia's past and its path towards peace.

Rodrigo Londoño, the former leader of the FARC guerrilla and signatory of the peace agreement, survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by dissidents Iván Márquez and El Paisa. The Colombian police thwarted the attack, killing two ex-guerrillas involved. Londoño acknowledges the police and army's role in saving his life, despite internal party criticism and the complex security situation for social leaders and ex-guerrillas. He seeks answers regarding the ex-guerrillas' deaths and criticizes the government's inadequate implementation of the peace agreement's security measures. Londoño plans to propose a name change for the FARC party to avoid confusion with dissident groups, which he considers deserters with no political future.

Latin American women took to the streets to protest against gender violence on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Demonstrations occurred in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, with demands including increased budgets to combat gender violence, legalization of abortion, and addressing political crises in the region. Argentine feminists protested outside the Bolivian Embassy in Buenos Aires, while Chilean women marched for rights amidst calls for a new constitution. In Peru, activists criticized the government's insufficient budget for combating violence against women, and in Colombia, women joined the national strike to demand action against feminicides. Mexican women protested against the pervasive violence in the country, where 10 women are killed daily.

Daniel Quintero's victory in the Medellín mayoral election marks a significant defeat for Álvaro Uribe's party, Centro Democrático, in its stronghold. Quintero, an independent candidate, won by a nine-point margin over Alfredo Ramos. His campaign focused on education and a fresh political voice for the city. Despite facing threats and negative campaigning, Quintero's modest background, proposals for security technology, and anti-corruption stance resonated with voters, leading to his election in Colombia's second-largest city.

Carlos Fernando Galán, born in Bogotá in 1977, closed his mayoral campaign with family support, invoking the legacy of his father, Luis Carlos Galán, who was assassinated in 1989. Despite his establishment background, Galán claims independence and has faced criticism and controversy during his campaign. He positions himself as a centrist, aiming to reconcile a polarized Bogotá and continue some projects of the current unpopular mayor, Enrique Peñalosa. His proposals focus on security, mobility, and gender equality. The mayoralty is seen as a stepping stone to the presidency, and Galán's relationship with the national government could influence his appeal to non-radical right-wing voters.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been formally linked to a criminal investigation for alleged procedural fraud and bribery. He appeared before the Supreme Court of Justice amid a polarized public reaction, with both supporters and detractors present. The case relates to witness manipulation accusations tied to paramilitary groups. The court will decide whether to proceed with the trial and any precautionary measures within 10 days. Uribe's lawyer, Diego Cadena, is implicated in the bribery accusation, which Uribe denies authorizing. The outcome of this case is expected to significantly impact Colombian politics.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe faces a judicial inquiry by the Supreme Court of Justice over alleged witness manipulation to favor himself and disassociate from paramilitary allegations. This marks the first time a former Colombian president has been brought before the high court. The inquiry has caused significant tension in the country, with Uribe's supporters threatening to protest. The court's decision, which will not be made immediately, could impact the upcoming regional elections on October 27.

Journalism is more necessary than ever to make sense of fragmented information, especially during times of crisis and uncertainty in democracies. This was the consensus at a discussion in Medellín, Colombia, featuring EL PAÍS director Soledad Gallego-Díaz, Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui, and Brazilian journalist Pedro Doria. They emphasized journalism's role in informing and integrating societies, providing context and verification, and distinguishing itself from mere news or social media. The conversation also touched on the challenges posed by political figures like Bolsonaro and the control of information by a small group of tech companies.

Argentina is currently facing economic pessimism and political unrest. The cost of living, including a significant rise in meat prices, has become a major concern for citizens. The country is experiencing high inflation, with private reports indicating a 12% increase in the first quarter of the year. Public transportation costs have doubled, affecting the daily lives of many. Politically, the country is deeply polarized between supporters of former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and current president Mauricio Macri. Kirchner is facing legal charges related to financial mismanagement, while Macri has been implicated in the Panama Papers scandal. Economic analysts predict a contraction in the economy with high inflation, but a potential recovery in the fourth quarter.