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The Andean region is dominated by a sharp bilateral crisis between Colombia and Ecuador over trade and security, while Colombia's President Petro navigates a contentious rapprochement with the US under Trump. The political landscape is overshadowed by Trump's transactional foreign policy and a major domestic tragedy in Colombia.
January 2026
Week of Jan 26, compared to 12-week average
The regional economy is defined by a severe bilateral trade war between Colombia and Ecuador. Ecuador imposed 30% tariffs on Colombia, prompting Colombia to suspend all electricity exports to Ecuador. In the background, a Chinese loan revived a hydroelectric dam project in Santa Cruz.
Politics are centered on Colombia's President Petro managing a volatile relationship with the US. Trump invited Petro to the White House for a meeting in Washington, which Petro approached with controversial remarks. The period was also marked by Trump's transactional 'Peace Board' proposals at Davos, where Milei joined.
Security is marked by a fatal plane crash in Colombia that killed 15, including a lawmaker. Colombia also moved to restrict drone imports to curb guerrilla attacks. In a separate incident, an alleged 'Ndrangheta member was arrested in Colombia.
Society is unified in mourning the catastrophic plane crash in Colombia, which killed 15 and drew condolences from the UN chief. A secondary tension emerged as the Colombian Church condemned President Petro's comments on Jesus and Mary Magdalene, highlighting a religious-political divide.