Andean Region in February 2026: the most important developments in politics
The Andean Region in February 2026 was defined by a meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump at the White House in the first days of the month. It followed months of public disagreements, including a diplomatic row over cartels. Both leaders described the talks as positive, Trump called Petro "terrific", and Petro said he appreciated frank Americans. Later in the month Petro said Trump "made a mistake" by striking Iran.
In Peru, Congress voted on 17 and 18 February to impeach and remove President José Jerí, citing undisclosed meetings linked to China.
Elsewhere in the region, the United States and Bolivia agreed to appoint ambassadors after an 18-year break. A Colombian tribunal charged 22 former FARC members with war crimes and crimes against humanity, and Colombia reopened its embassy in Bucharest after 24 years. Petro cancelled his attendance at the Munich Security Conference because of a weather-related emergency, and the leaders of Venezuela and Colombia agreed to meet soon. Secretary of State Rubio defended US policy on Venezuela to Caribbean leaders, and Trump praised Argentina's President Javier Milei, who offered White Helmets for Gaza.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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