Andean Region in January 2026: the most important developments in politics
The Andean region in January 2026 was shaped by relations with the United States. Ecuador said on 28 January that an ICE agent tried to enter its consulate in Minneapolis, the most widely reported event of the month for the region.
Colombia was at the centre of US statements early in the month. On 5 January US President Donald Trump said a military operation in Colombia 'sounds good', warned Mexico to 'get their act together', said Cuba looks 'ready to fall', and warned of a second strike in Venezuela if 'they don't behave'. Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected the threats, told Trump to 'stop slandering me' and said he would take up arms if threatened by the United States. Cuba and Colombia had earlier condemned reported US attacks on Venezuela. Later in the month Petro made remarks described as controversial ahead of a meeting with Trump.
Elsewhere, Israel appointed an ambassador to Bolivia following a diplomatic rapprochement, and 60 countries were invited to a peace board for Gaza.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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