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Saturday, October 17, 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Colombia · Country watch

Protests Intensify, Ethnic Consultation Rules Change

Colombia faces widespread protests and changes in ethnic consultation rules, impacting project timelines.

· · 2 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Colombia are deteriorating as widespread protests challenge government policies and new ethnic consultation rules impact project timelines. The unrest and regulatory changes create uncertainty for public-sector operations and energy projects.

In this briefing Colombian government · Sirius · Abelardo de la Espriella · Unidad de Diálogo y Mantenimiento del Orden · Parque de los Periodistas

Regulation

  • energy
  • mining
  • public-sector

Colombian government alters ethnic consultation rules

an aerial view of a city with tall buildings
Juan Nino / Unsplash

The Colombian government has announced changes to the rules governing prior consultations with ethnic communities, aiming to expedite project approvals. The changes will allow consultations to proceed in parallel with environmental licensing processes, according to El Colombiano. This adjustment is intended to reduce delays in major projects like the offshore natural gas project Sirius, which has faced 120 consultation requests. The government hopes to streamline the process to meet its 2030 operational target for such projects.

Impact Energy and mining project developers face potentially faster approval processes, impacting timelines and investment decisions.

Sources: El Colombiano ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

  • public-sector
  • logistics

Nationwide protests challenge Colombian government

Colombia experienced widespread protests in major cities including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla. Demonstrators, including teachers, students, and labor unions, opposed various government decisions, El Colombiano reports. The protests are linked to new regulations on social protest, which have sparked significant opposition. President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration faces challenges as these demonstrations reflect broader discontent with recent policy changes.

Impact Public-sector operations and logistics are disrupted as protests challenge government policies and regulations.

Sources: El Colombiano ↗

  • energy
  • public-sector

UNDMO intervention in anti-fracking protest sparks debate

The intervention by Colombia's Unidad de Diálogo y Mantenimiento del Orden (UNDMO) during a protest against fracking in the Parque de los Periodistas has sparked controversy, KienyKe reports. The protest was part of a broader movement opposing fracking practices, which involve extracting oil and gas from shale rock. The presence of security forces has raised concerns about the government's approach to handling environmental protests.

Impact Energy sector stakeholders face increased scrutiny and potential delays as public opposition to fracking grows.

Sources: KienyKe ↗

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Colombia

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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