Some of my stories and posts related to years of working in Colombia’s conflict zones. Could be useful if you’re visiting, or just want to know more about the country’s complex history.

Homicides in Colombia: 2024 update

My round-up of homicide data and trends for Colombia, based on recent official data (2023) and news reports and analysis. I’ll be posting a parallel blog Is Bogotá Safe? 2024 and you can also see my2023 post on safety and security trends in Bogotá here. Posted March 2024. Contact me on colombiacorners@gmail.com Other related posts on security on Colombia Corners are: Colombia’s Cocaine Conflicts – report of recent travel to coca growing villages in Nariño.Is Colombia Safe? – some security

The lowdown on Colombian narco-subs

Narco-subs are back in the news in March 2023 with the capture of two clandestine craft, one in the Colombian Pacific with two tons of cocaine – and two bodies – on board, and another found empty in an estuary by Spain’s Atlantic coast.
Here’s some info and links on the world of underwater smuggling.

Colombia’s cocaine conflicts, 2023

An update from the front line communities where a cruel war between armed groups headed by former FARC guerrillas is trapping Afrocolombian communities in new cycles of violence.

Jaime Garzón: The day the laughter stopped

Jaime Garzón was assassinated on the streets of Bogotá 20 years ago. Here we remember Colombia’s best-loved – and deeply missed – comedian.

Bogotá’s Colmenares case, a tragic death…

A sad story of a student’s untimely death after a night out in Bogotá. Did he fall or was he pushed?

In the shadow of Los Pachencas of Santa Marta

In a land where big cats prowl, Los Pachencas also make their deadly presence known. Extortion and murder in the Sierra Nevada.

Is Colombia Safe? Some tips for travellers.

The first question on every visitor’s mind: Is Colombia Safe? Here we try and answer it.

April 2019

Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda Napoles

The King of Cocaine’s ranch is now a park, zoo and museum. And it’s great.

January, 2019

‘It’s the (narco) economy stupid’

Cocaine cash fuels Colombian conflict, and there are no quick fixes.

Killed in the Darien Gap

Jan Philip was killed by guerrillas in the Darien Gap in 2013. But it took many years to get to the truth.

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