Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

Join host Richard McColl as he explores the rich Wayuu culture and language of the Guajira region in Colombia with Dr. Paul McAleer. Discover insights into indigenous traditions, linguistic preservation, and community impact through innovative workshops and cultural projects. Check out the Akuaipa Artisans store: https://akuaipaartisans.com

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

On 8 March, Colombians voted in primaries and congressional elections — electing candidates for 102 Senate seats, 182 House seats. Turnout in the election was notably low but marked a slight increase from the 2022 elections. 
Colombia's leftist ruling party, the Pacto Histórico, won the majority of seats in the Senate — 4.3 million votes (22.8 per cent) that translates to 25 seats. They were followed by the rightwing Centro Democrático which increased its representation to 17 seats in the Senate, with 15.6 per cent of the vote. 
But neither secured a majority, highlighting the fragmented nature of Colombia's political landscape. The next president, whoever it is, will have to negotiate with lawmakers to push through a legislative agenda. 
Richard McColl of Colombia Calling and Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports discussed the results on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast. 
The Colombia Briefing by Emily Hart is for subscribers only this week.

Learn how a family navigated their journey to Colombia with kids, from planning to experiences in diverse ecosystems. Discover tips for family travel in Colombia!

Traveling with children can be daunting, especially to a country like Colombia, which many people still view through a lens of caution. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we'll explore the inspiring journey of Mae Star and Matt from Vermont, who made the bold decision to homeschool their children while traveling through this beautiful and biodiverse country. You'll learn about their motivations, planning strategies, and the unforgettable experiences they had along the way.

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

On the Colombia Calling podcast this week, we join forces with Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports to discuss the Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico and its origins. 
Discover the secrets behind one of the most enigmatic drug trafficking organizations in Colombia: La Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico, now the most powerful cartel in the country.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Alex Diamond, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University, about his book 'Governing the Excluded: Rural Livelihoods Beyond Coca in Colombia's Peace Laboratory.' They explore the complexities of Briceño, a rural community in Colombia that serves as a peace laboratory for the coca substitution program. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by local farmers, the importance of infrastructure, the dynamics of authority between state and guerrilla forces, and the impact of national politics on local communities. Through personal anecdotes and ethnographic insights, Diamond shares his experiences living in Briceño and the hopes and struggles of its residents as they navigate the transition from coca cultivation to legal livelihoods.

 
The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.