Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, freelance journalist Katharine Houreld discusses the complex involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudan conflict, the regional and global power dynamics, and the human stories behind the headlines. Key topics include: The current conflict in Sudan and its origins. The involvement of Colombian mercenaries and their recruitment channels. Regional and international powers backing different sides in Sudan. The human stories of mercenaries and civilian victims. The role of external support and sanctions in prolonging the conflict. The impact of the conflict on neighboring countries and regional stability. The legal and moral questions surrounding mercenary participation in war. The future outlook for Sudan and the potential for resolution.

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Brian Murphy O'Neill shares the story of La Leyenda, a multi-stage mountain bike race in Colombia, celebrating its 10th anniversary. He discusses the race's growth, its role in promoting Colombia as an adventure tourism destination, and future plans including expansion into Aruba, Punta Cana, and on to Asia. The conversation shifts to future plans, focusing on the upcoming race scheduled for July 26-30, 2027, in Cali and the Valle del Cauca. Brian describes the excitement surrounding the event, stating, "Our team... it's always special to come back here." He highlights the unique cycling routes and the vibrant culture of Cali, which he believes offers an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike. https://www.la-leyenda.com

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl interviews Simon Faulkner - Senior Lecturer of Academic Excellence at University College Birmingham - about the impact of natural disasters on Colombia's tourism industry, exploring recovery models, infrastructure challenges, and strategies for building resilient destinations. Key topics: Disaster management frameworks in tourism Impact of earthquakes on Colombian destinations Infrastructure challenges in Colombia's tourism sector Community involvement in recovery efforts Diversification of tourism products post-disaster 
Sustainable tourism development in Colombia. 
 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this week's discussion on the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl reconnects with Jenny Pearce, a visiting professor at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics. They delve into her recent book, "¿Quién manda en Colombia? Elites, Poder y Nación", co-authored with Juan David Velasco Montoya. This work not only explores the historical context of Colombian elites but also challenges the common narrative surrounding violence in the country. A critical part of Jenny's work is her analysis of the five "constellations of elites" in Colombia, which include oligarchic, technocratic, union, political, and legal elites. This framework illustrates how these groups interact across different sectors of society, emphasizing that Colombia's power dynamics are complex and interconnected. Jenny describes Colombia as a singular case rather than a paradox, where high levels of inequality coexist with electoral stability. This unique characteristic is essential for understanding the country's political and economic history, as she explains: "You have to connect the reproduction of the violences, the high levels of inequality, and the macroeconomic stability." Through her rigorous research, Jenny Pearce invites us to reconsider the narratives surrounding power and violence in Colombia. Her insights not only enrich our understanding of Colombian society but also challenge us to think critically about the role of elites in shaping the future. For a deeper dive into these compelling themes, check out Jenny's book, "¿Quién manda en Colombia?", which serves as both a scholarly reference and a call to action for addressing the complexities of power in Colombia.

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

For this week's episode, Richard McColl and Emily Hart connected with two humanitarian organisations working on the ground in the wake of last Monday's earthquake.
Today, they are joined by Juan Camilo Jiménez, currently in Pereira working for World Central Kitchen, and Pamela Londoño, working in Cali for Hope Project Colombia.
Beyond the drama of rubble and rescue, World Central Kitchen and Hope Project work with food and health to accompany people directly after a disaster but also in the weeks which follow, as they find new homes, rebuild their lives, and process what has happened to their communities. 
World Central Kitchen (WCK) provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian and climate crises: they have set up food trucks and community kitchens, as well as funding local restaurants to cook meals for victims of the crisis which followed the earthquake.
https://donate.wck.org/campaign/749360/donate
Project Hope is a global health and humanitarian organisation which has been assessing the impact of the earthquake on local medical facilities and the wider health system.
https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/responses/colombia-earthquake-how-to-help/
Juan Camilo and Pamela spoke about the importance of local knowledge and community, especially when it comes to sustainability and getting responses right: they tell us that the humility of arriving with energy and the right questions is crucial to forming a response which not only serves but also makes the most of the community itself, incorporating its existing structures and expertise. 
Tailoring responses to local needs and local wants, the two told us about the importance of adaptation, arepas de chócolo, and creating the conditions for local solutions: Colombians supporting Colombians.