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Cali mayor urged to cancel Singapore trip amid alleged attack plots
🇨🇴 Colombia /Conflict & Security

Cali mayor urged to cancel Singapore trip amid alleged attack plots

From El Tiempo · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • A Colombian councilman has urged Cali's mayor to cancel his trip to a Singapore summit due to alleged threats against the city.
  • Councilman Roberto Ortiz cited concerns over political polarization and rumors of terrorist attacks ahead of the June 21 presidential runoff.
  • Mayor Alejandro Eder is invited to the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore, where Cali will share its urban renewal vision.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder faces calls to cancel his upcoming trip to Singapore for the World Cities Summit 2026 amid allegations of planned attacks against the city. Councilman Roberto Ortiz has strongly criticized the mayor's planned international travel, deeming it "unnecessary and irresponsible" given the current political climate and security concerns.

Ortiz expressed "deep concern" over Eder's departure during what he described as one of the most critical moments in recent years. He pointed to rumors of alleged terrorist attacks by illegal armed groups, coinciding with the lead-up to the presidential runoff election on June 21. "While disturbances begin and alleged terrorist attack plans are heard from illegal armed groups, just weeks before the presidential election on June 21, the mayor will travel to Singapore to participate in the World Cities Summit 2026," Ortiz stated on social media.

While disturbances begin and alleged terrorist attack plans are heard from illegal armed groups, just weeks before the presidential election on June 21, the mayor will travel to Singapore to participate in the World Cities Summit 2026.

— Roberto OrtizThe councilman criticized the mayor's travel plans amidst security concerns and political polarization.

The councilman invoked articles of the Colombian Constitution, emphasizing the mayor's duty to prioritize the protection of citizens' lives and property, and to maintain public order and security. Ortiz argued that the mayor's presence is needed in Cali to provide leadership and make firm decisions on the ground, rather than being absent for an extended period. "The city needs presence, leadership, and firm decisions from the ground, not prolonged absences," he added.

Despite the controversy, Mayor Eder has highlighted the significance of the World Cities Summit, scheduled from June 14-18. Cali has been invited to share its vision for urban renewal, biodiversity, and transformation at the event, which is expected to gather leaders from over 250 cities worldwide. The mayor maintains that the Public Force is prepared to act to ensure the city's security.

The city needs presence, leadership, and firm decisions from the ground, not prolonged absences.

— Roberto OrtizOrtiz argued that the mayor's duty requires him to remain in Cali during a critical period.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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