But this lawless corner of the Andes may see significant changes if Colombia’s new president, Gustavo Petro, makes good on his promise to normalise relations with Venezuela, reduce poverty and achieve “total peace” in a country torn by more than 60 years of armed conflict.For many border dwellers like Prado, the bold agenda pushed by Colombia’s first ever leftwing president has prompted an unusual measure of hope.“Families can’t eat, can’t work because the violence has gotten so bad with the border closures,” said Ana Teresa Castillo, a local leader living blocks away from the smuggling routes. “Petro is controversial, many here are scared of him … but this could create jobs, change things.” By Megan Janetsky. Full Text -> TheGuardian

Traducción de cortesía ->Pero este rincón sin ley de los Andes puede experimentar cambios significativos si el nuevo presidente de Colombia, Gustavo Petro, cumple su promesa de normalizar las relaciones con Venezuela, reducir la pobreza y lograr la “paz total” en un país desgarrado por más de 60 años de conflicto armado. Para muchos habitantes de la frontera como Prado, la audaz agenda impulsada por el primer presidente de izquierda de Colombia ha generado una inusual medida de esperanza. “Las familias no pueden comer, no pueden trabajar porque la violencia ha empeorado con los cierres fronterizos”. dijo Ana Teresa Castillo, una líder local que vive a cuadras de las rutas de contrabando. “Petro es polémico, muchos aquí le tienen miedo… pero esto podría crear empleos, cambiar las cosas”.

La zona limítrofe con Venezuela es uno de los mayores focos de violencia que siguió al acuerdo de paz de 2016 en Colombia. Las disidencias y el Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), la última guerrilla reconocida en el país, libran desde hace más de un año una disputa por las rentas derivadas del narcotráfico, según el gobierno.  Texto Completo -> Deutsche Welle

One of the reasons Venezuela’s authoritarian regime stays in power is its street enforcers – violent gangs known as colectivos. A new documentary, “Tupamaro: Urban Guerrillas,” examines the rise of the most powerful colectivo – and the film is even more relevant right now. By Tim Padgett . Full Text -> MLRN

Although gender inequality is not a novel issue in Latin America and especially not in Venezuela, the current humanitarian crisis has made women more vulnerable financially, politically, and socially, and made sexual violence and discrimination commonplace. By Angela Chavez. Full text -> Atlantic Council

A rally organised by the President of the National Assembly Juan Guaidó in Barquisimeto, Lara state, on Saturday 28 February, was disrupted when gunmen and members of civilian armed groups attacked and opened fire against members of the opposition, injuring at least one person. Acts of this nature against the opposition and the democratically elected National Assembly and its members are unacceptable and further hamper the efforts towards a political solution to the crisis. Statements by the Spokesperson. Full text -> European External Action Service

 Socialist hardliners in Venezuela opened fire during a march headed by Juan Guaidó, injuring a 16-year-old demonstrator and adding to tensions in the country as the opposition leader seeks to revive his campaign to oust Nicolás Maduro.By AP. Full text-> WTMJ

Video of the Guaido’s vehicle

Strengthening the Armed Forces was one of the three strategic lines on national defense drawn up by Hugo Chávez. Nicolás Maduro has tried to follow this line in his own way and without the same resources. By Daisy Galaviz. Full text -> Caracas Chronicles

During the tumultuous return of Juan Guaidó through the Simón Bolívar International Airport, several reporters and their camera crews were injured by an angry mob, with complete leniency from the authorities. As some ended up getting medical assistance and even hospitalized, the multiple accounts from those involved have raised concerns about the dangers that independent Venezuelan press will face in 2020. By Gustavo Hernández A. Full text -> Caracas Chronicles

A Reuters investigation reveals that convicted criminals are within the ranks of an elite police force created by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Ex-convicts are among cops charged with killing two men outside Caracas. By Sarah Kinisian and Angus Berwick. Full text -> REUTERS

Illegal armed groups from both Colombia and Venezuela have taken advantage of the two countries’ broken relations, according to a newly released study. By Adriaan Alsema. Full text -> Colombia Reports