Colombia Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Between Leftist and Right-Wing Candidates
Colombia's presidential election has moved to a runoff on June 21, pitting far-left candidate Ivan Cepeda against far-right contender Abelardo de la Espriella. The vote serves as a referendum on the outgoing administration of President Gustavo Petro and will determine whether the nation maintains its current trajectory or returns to a more traditional pro-Trump alignment. The outcome carries significant implications for U.S.-Colombia relations, particularly regarding migration and counternarcotics. While Petro and Donald Trump recently stabilized ties after clashes over deportation flights and drug production statistics, De la Espriella's candidacy presents a starkly different vision. Critics of De la Espriella point to his history of defending controversial figures, including Nicolás…
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Sunday's election could put Colombia back on team Trump | Responsible Statecraft
The results of Colombia’s 2026 presidential race will have a significant impact on U.S.-Colombia relations and the Trump administration’s strategic goals in Latin America. Since Petro took office in 2022, the long-standing bipartisan strategic relationship between the two countries has ...
Colombia votes in presidential election pitting Petro allies against pro-Trump candidates - France 24
Ballots for the first round of Colombia's presidential election open Sunday, as candidates with radically diverging visions for the future face off. The vote, seen as a referendum on outgoing President…
De La Espriella has attracted ... of the US-ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro who was recently charged with money-laundering. He also defended the Colombian fraudster David Murcia Guzmán, who led a multibillion-dollar pyramid scheme. He has argued this is just part of his work as a defence lawyer, while critics have accused him of enriching himself by defending powerful criminals. The runoff on 21 June will have implications for Colombia's relationship with the US, ...
Colombian presidency goes to runoff election that could redefine relations with the US | CNN
Petro’s relationship with and Trump was often tense, particularly over migration, counternarcotics policies and regional diplomacy, though the two governments moved to stabilize ties in recent months. Petro publicly clashed with Trump over deportation flights early in 2025, briefly triggering the threat of sweeping tariffs before a rapid deescalation. The episode rattled markets and underscored how exposed Colombia remains to shifts in US ...
At one point, Trump even called ... for US military intervention. Petro has argued his government has seized the largest amount of drugs in history. But on his watch cocaine production has also soared to record highs, according to the United Nations' World Drug Report 2025. Petro disputes the UN's method of counting. The two presidents, however, appeared to have mended their relations at a White House meeting in February - after which Trump called his guest "terrific". Colombia sees 'real ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Brazilian Court Blocks Bolsonaro from Visiting Sons on Father's Day
Brazil's top court has issued a ban preventing former president Jair Bolsonaro from visiting his sons on Father's Day this Sunday. The decision enforces stricter visitation guidelines following recent legal disputes. The restrictions come after the Supreme Court ruled that the family had breached terms, with some reports noting previous actions, such as Flavio Bolsonaro reading letters online despite social media bans. Some court rulings have extended these blocks for longer periods.
IS-linked Militants Attack Congo Village; UN Imposes Sanctions on Armed Groups
An attack by militants affiliated with Islamic State-linked groups has reportedly killed at least 13 people in a village located in eastern Congo, near the border with Uganda. The region continues to face severe instability. Beyond these attacks, suspected fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have been active, and the UN Security Council recently imposed sanctions on leaders of various armed groups operating throughout eastern DRC.
Lionel Messi's Father and Agent, Jorge Messi, Dies at Age 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68. Reports indicate he had been battling a long-term illness. Messi's father was instrumental in his son's career, having accompanied him to Europe when he signed with Barcelona as a teenager. He was widely recognized for his dedication and presence supporting Lionel throughout his professional life.
Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know (10 sources)
Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know (10 sources) This story has been covered by multiple news sources, providing comprehensive coverage from different perspectives. **www.npr.org** reports: Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know : NPRBack ButtonSearch IconFilter Icon ### [Space](https://www.npr.org/sections/space/) Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know ====================================================== August 8, 20268:56 PM ET By [Chandelis Duster](https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-23120/chandelis-duster) 
Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Governor Race Amid Scrutiny
Francesca Hong has emerged as a front-runner in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, potentially making history as the state's first socialist governor. Her strong polling numbers position her as a significant figure in this critical battleground state. The campaign faces intense scrutiny regarding its democratic socialist platform and policy shifts, including evolving views on defunding police. Meanwhile, national Democratic figures have expressed skepticism about Hong’s electability, while others suggest alternative candidates may benefit from the primary outcome.
Three inmates killed in recent separate prison clashes across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka reported that three inmates were killed and more than twenty people were injured during two separate, deadly prison clashes. The unrest has prompted the deployment of military troops to major correctional facilities, including Welikada and Magazine Prisons. Officials attribute the growing instability to severe overcrowding within the country's jail system, which is reportedly operating at capacity.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.