Latin America
Panama Protests Intensify Over Controversial Mining Contract
Amidst the ongoing protests against a controversial mining contract gripping Panama, demonstrators oppose the deal and advocate for alternative development paths. They beg the government to prioritize more sustainable industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, rather than investing in resource-intensive mining operations.
US State Department finds Russia Responsible for Disinformation Campaign in Latin America
On Nov. 7, a report from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced the discovery of a significant Russian disinformation apparatus operating in Latin America. The disinformation campaign is allegedly being conducted by The Social Design Agency (SDA), an informational entity that the European Union called “a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power.”
Peruvian Foreign Minister Quits Amid Controversy Over Failed Biden Meeting
On Nov. 6, 2023, Ana Cecilia Gervasi, Peru's Foreign Minister, resigned from her position after controversy about her lack of diligence. Apparently, Gervasi failed to secure a formal meeting with President Joe Biden during Peruvian President Dina Boularte's recent visit to the United States.
Countries Double Down on Support for Cuba as UN Votes to End the US Embargo
On Thursday, Nov. 2, a simple majority of member states in the United Nations voted to end the embargo on Cuba.
El Salvador's Political Turmoil: Bukele's Re-election Bid Amid Constitutional Controversy and Electoral Rule Shifts
On Oct. 26, incumbent Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele announced his controversial candidacy for next year's upcoming presidential election.
NYU Alumnus Daniel Noboa Wins Ecuadorian Presidential Election
On Oct. 15, Daniel Noboa emerged victorious in the 2023 Ecuadorian general election. At the age of 35, he is the youngest president in Ecuadorian history and the youngest leader in Latin America.
Latin American Nations Urge U.S. to Lift Venezuela and Cuba Sanctions Amid Persistent Migration Challenges
On Oct. 22, various Latin American leaders gathered in Palenque, Mexico, to discuss potential solutions for the ongoing regional migrant crisis.
U.S. Lifts Sanctions Against Venezuela In a Bid to Ensure 2024 Elections
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Biden administration announced the softening of its sanction on oil, gas, and gold exports from Venezuela. The deal came one day after Venezuela’s incumbent leadership met with its opposition and agreed to hold democratic presidential elections in 2024.
Mexico’s Abortion Legalization Marks the Latest Success in Latin America’s ‘Green Tide’
On Sept. 6, Mexico’s Supreme Court decided to decriminalize abortion nationwide. The nation is now the most populous one in Latin America to provide legal access to corresponding medicines and procedures.
Costa Rica Revokes Visa Exemption For Honduran Nationals
On Oct. 6, Costa Rica announced it would revoke its visa exemption for Honduran nationals. This policy shift incited a mixture of surprise and anger among Honduran officials and the public, and could potentially strain diplomatic relations in the region.
Brazilian Federal Police Raid Bolsonaro’s Home
Brazilian Federal police raided ex-President Jair Bolsonaro’s home as part of a probe on his vaccination records.
Chile Announces Plans to Nationalize Lithium
Chile, a major lithium producer, has recently announced plans to nationalize its lithium industry.
Cuba’s National Assembly Ratifies President Díaz-Canel’s Second Term
The Cuban National Assembly ratified President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s second five-year term in office.
Colombian and US Presidents Discuss Hemispheric Cooperation and Venezuelan Sanctions
President Biden met Colombian President Gustavo Petro to discuss regional cooperation on climate change, migrations, and energy policy.
Lula Visits Xi Jinping in Effort to Strengthen Brazil-China Relations
Brazilian President Lula da Silva met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to implement new bilateral agreements.
Brazilian Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Testifies in Jewelry Scandal Investigation
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had to testify in regard to a Brazilian delegation's attempt to smuggle jewelry for his personal gain.
The ICJ Establishes Its Jurisdiction Over The Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute
The International Court of Justice announced it had ruled on whether it had the jurisdiction to arbitrate a dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.
Ecuador’s National Assembly Begins An Impeachment Attempt Against President Guillermo Lasso
Ecuador's Constitutional Court ruled 6-3 on Wednesday that the National Assembly may begin the process of deliberating the impeachment of President Guillermo Lasso.
Peru’s President Faces Criminal Investigation, Linked with Pedro Castillo
Peru’s attorney general’s office announced criminal investigations into President Dina Boluarte on March 28, 2023.
Colombian Rebel Guerilla Kills Nine Soldiers in Bomb Attack
A far-left Colombian guerilla group allegedly attacked an army base in the Norte de Santander department, near Venezuela.