Border

The Ipiales Chamber of Commerce reported that no exports were leaving for Ecuador through the Rumichaca international bridge on May 6, five days after Ecuador imposed a 100% tariff on Colombian products.

4 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

A federal court in Dire Dawa has sentenced two men for smuggling people out of Ethiopia through Djibouti. Neim Awel received 20 years in prison and a 200,000 birr fine while Seid (Sadiq) Hasen was given 18 years and 100,000 birr.

President José Antonio Kast signed one of his first decrees to implement the “Escudo Fronterizo” plan addressing irregular migration, smuggling, and drug trafficking. A Cadem poll shows 80% Chilean support. The measure divides the opposition while keeping diplomatic channels open with Bolivia.

13 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Nicolás Botero-Páramo, president of Confecámaras, urged the suspension of tariffs between Colombia and Ecuador during a committee in Ipiales, Nariño. Border companies can no longer endure the situation, which has disrupted bilateral trade for months. Proposals include declaring an economic emergency in border areas and reactivating bilateral coordination mechanisms.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% security tariff on imports from Colombia, effective February 1, 2026, citing a lack of cooperation in border control against narcotrafficking and illegal mining. The measure has drawn immediate backlash from Colombian business groups and the government, who view it as a breach of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) agreements. It is expected to significantly impact bilateral trade, worth billions of dollars annually.

7 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

A large-scale military operation in Ecuador has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking mafias on the northern border, with drug seizures and destruction of illegal infrastructures. The action focused on Sucumbíos province and strengthens coordination among security forces to combat organized crime in hard-to-reach areas. Authorities highlight this progress as part of a strategy to regain territorial control.