Coca production down in South America, up in Peru: UN

The UN International Narcotics Control Board finds an 8% decrease in overall coca production in South America last year—but a 45% increase in Peru.

Colombia: indigenous communities targeted in war —again

Indigenous peoples are once again caught in the middle as the Colombian army launches a major offensive against the FARC guerillas in the southern Andean department of Cauca.

Venezuela: Chávez unveils Campesino Militia

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced the creation of a new Campesino Militia, which will be under the command of the national Bolivarian Armed Forces (FAB).

Bolivia: Evo Morales launches “decolonization of judiciary”

Bolivian President Evo Morales appointed 18 judges ahead of the country’s judicial elections, calling the move “the beginning of the decolonization of the judiciary.”

Colombia: deadly FARC ambush on gubernatorial candidate

Gubernatorial candidate José Pérez Restrepo in Colombia’s Guaviare department was wounded and three of his bodyguards killed when presumed FARC guerillas attacked his caravan.

Bolivia to launch Coca Colla —this one is really the real thing

Bolivia’s Evo Morales plans to put the coca back in cola with a new coca-infused drink dubbed Coca Colla—the last word being a reference to the country’s Aymara indigenous people.

Bolivia to launch Túpac Katari satellite with Chinese aid

President Evo Morales signed a decree creating the Bolivian Space Agency, to build and launch a satellite—named for anti-colonial rebel Túpac Katari—with Chinese oversight.

Colombia: 40 unionists murdered in 2009

According to the Unitary Workers Central (CUT), 40 union leaders and activists were killed in Colombia during 2009—representing 60% of all trade unionists killed worldwide.

Colombia: VP called to respond to “parapolitics” allegations

A Colombian prosecutor called on the country’s Vice President Francisco Santos to testify about allegations of collaboration by ex-paramilitary warlord Salvatore Mancuso.

US-Colombia joint operation nabs suspected Mexican capos

Three of 21 drug suspects arrested in a joint US-Colombian operation are closely linked to Joaquin Guzmán AKA “El Chapo,” Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, authorities say.

Bolivia inaugurates indigenous autonomy

Bolivian President Evo Morales declared his second inauguration the founding of a “pluri-national state,” as constitutional provisions for indigenous autonomy take effect.

Judge: missionaries’ suit can proceed against Chiquita in Colombia killings

Judge Kenneth Marra in West Palm Beach, Fla., ruled that a lawsuit brought against banana giant Chiquita Brands by the families of missionaries killed in Colombia can proceed.