Colombia energy ministry confirms Camacho as new minister

Colombia's ministry of mines and energy on Thursday confirmed that Omar Andres Camacho will take over as the new minister, replacing ex-Minister Irene Velez, who resigned in July after two state bodies opened investigations against her.

Colombia's ministry of mines and energy on Thursday confirmed that Omar Andres Camacho will take over as the new minister, replacing ex-Minister Irene Velez, who resigned in July after two state bodies opened investigations against her. The confirmation follows earlier reports in local media and information from a Reuters source who on Jul. 24 said Camacho would take over the role.

Camacho will face the challenge of realizing Petro's goal of weaning Colombia off of oil production and exports, a major source of income for the country, and acrimony between the administration and the industry. Velez stepped down after two state agencies opened investigations against her, connected to allegations that she committed a crime of influence peddling. She has said she will respond to the authorities as needed.

"Now the remaining process is the oath taking and act of possession for the new minister, which depends directly on the president's agenda," the ministry said.

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