The suspension of nearly all USAID funding by the Trump administration is shuttering vital humanitarian and anti-gang programs in Colombia’s poorest regions, jeopardizing the implementation of the country’s 2016 peace deal with leftist FARC rebels.
Historically, Colombia received up to $440 million annually through USAID for over 80 programs, making it the largest recipient of U.S. aid in the western hemisphere. Now, the abrupt funding cuts are endangering reintegration initiatives for former rebels, economic projects aimed at employing ex-combatants, and various social programs that have helped curb violence and drug trafficking in conflict-prone areas.
Officials, including Colombia’s former foreign minister and lawmakers, warn that the loss of aid will increase risks of renewed violence, as vulnerable communities may be lured back into criminal gangs and drug trafficking networks. In Choco province, for example, the shutdown of the USAID-funded Youth Resilience program has left thousands of young people without essential mentorship and economic opportunities, potentially reversing progress made under the 2016 peace accord.
The freeze also undermines broader peace efforts, particularly in rural regions where USAID programs played a crucial role in reducing violence and facilitating dialogue between former rebels and the government. With significant portions
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior tri...
The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran on Tuesday after saying Iranian missiles had targeted maritime na...
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections despite the war with Russia, mounting what is widely seen as the bigges...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer at the court Abdoulaye Seye on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Ukraine's parliament has approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defence minister, cementing a key leadership change as Kyiv navigates wartime priorities and a broader government reorganisation.
Thai schools conducted active shooter drills on Wednesday (19 August), as authorities moved to strengthen security measures two weeks after a 14-year-old opened fire at a school and killed at least eight people.
Apple has announced a major overhaul of its business terms for apps distributed in the European Union, introducing a five per cent commission on digital transactions outside its App Store and simplifying its fee structure as it seeks to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
A record number of humanitarian workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025, with the growing use of armed drones contributing to mounting risks in conflict zones, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment