Colombia’s Petro accuses Ecuador's president of aiding drug trafficking

Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Bogotá, Petro said Noboa was aligned with Colombian political sectors that, in his view, had encouraged the growth of coca crops and undermined peace efforts. He also accused the Ecuadorian leader of using fear and conflict for political gain ahead of elections.

Petro further criticised Noboa over border closures, arguing that the restrictions had pushed more people in both countries towards illegal trafficking networks. He also alleged that criminal groups based in Ecuador were plotting to assassinate him and Senator Iván Cepeda, widely seen as a potential contender in Colombia’s next presidential race.

The remarks add to a growing rift between Bogotá and Quito. Petro said earlier this week that he planned legal action against Noboa over claims linking him to Ecuadorian crime boss Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito”. The diplomatic clash comes amid a worsening trade dispute that began after Ecuador imposed tariffs on Colombian imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Bogotá.