Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Colombia Rejects Peru's Claim on Amazon Island; Border Dispute Escalates
Imagine two countries, Colombia and Peru, are arguing over who owns a small island in the Amazon River.
The island is called Santa Rosa, and about 3,000 people live there.
Peru says it belongs to them and has sent officials to the island.
Colombia disagrees, saying Peru is illegally occupying the area.
The leaders of both countries are speaking out, with Colombia's president saying they don't recognize Peru's claim, and Peru's leaders defending their ownership.
The main problem is that the river's path keeps changing, which makes it hard to decide exactly where the border should be, and under a 1922 treaty the border is set at the deepest point of the river.
The people living on the island mostly feel they are Peruvian.
Both countries are planning to talk about the issue soon to try and find a solution.
Colombia disputes Peru's claim to Santa Rosa Island in the Amazon River.
Peru created the district of Santa Rosa and sent officials, which Colombia calls an irregular occupation.
Colombian President Petro stated Colombia does not recognize Peruvian sovereignty over the island.
Peru's Prime Minister rejected Colombia's remarks and reaffirmed Peruvian sovereignty.
The border dispute involves the shifting course of the Amazon River, complicating demarcation.
- Who
- Colombia and Peru are the main parties involved, specifically their respective presidents and officials, also involving the inhabitants of Santa Rosa Island.
- What
- Colombia and Peru are disputing ownership of Santa Rosa Island in the Amazon River.
- When
- The dispute has been ongoing for decades, with recent statements made by both countries' leaders.
- Where
- Santa Rosa Island, located in the Amazon River, at the tri-border area of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
- Why
- The dispute arises from the shifting course of the Amazon River, which complicates border demarcation and differing claims to the island.
Colombia's View
Peru's View
Ownership of Santa Rosa Island
Colombia's View
Colombia disputes Peru's claim to Santa Rosa Island.
Peru's View
Peru asserts its sovereignty over Santa Rosa Island.
- Island Name
- Santa Rosa Island
- Location
- Amazon River (tri-border area: Brazil, Colombia, Peru)
- Population
- Approximately 3,000
- Colombian Stance
- Does not recognize Peruvian sovereignty
- Peruvian Stance
- Claims ownership; island part of Peruvian territory for over a century.
- Border Treaty
- 1922 treaty, border set at the deepest point of the river
- Next Meeting
- Bilateral technical meeting on border issues in mid-September