Colombia: Violent clashes breakout in Buenaventura May 19 /update 1

Event

Protesters clashed with police officers in Buenaventura on the night of Friday, May 19. At least ten police officers were wounded along with one demonstrator during the fighting. Media sources reported that a number of shops were also looted and multiple buildings damaged. Local authorities have declared a curfew in the city and will hold a security council meeting on Saturday, May 20, to address the ongoing general strike. Additional clashes and protests may occur in the coming days.

Context

The ongoing Paro Civico (‘’Civic Unemployment’’) movement entered its fourth consecutive days on May 19. Protesters are demanding that the national government agrees to declare a state of social emergency in the area and deliver improved social services. Five ports, as well as the commercial, banking, and tourist sectors are currently at a standstill. Local authorities indicate that some 25,000 million pesos have been lost as a result of the protest movement. Export-based economic sectors are also particularly affected. The import of food and other staple goods has been allowed to continue using minimum services.

Buenaventura suffers from poor socioeconomic conditions and social services, compounded by a lack of decent health care and education, inequality, and poverty. Additionally, crime rates are relatively high due to the presence of gangs involved in drug trafficking in areas abandoned by the FARC. The area has been subject to a variety of demonstrations to demand improved living conditions.

Advice

Individuals present in Buenaventura are advised to avoid all demonstrations, and monitor local developmentsµ. Any travel to the area should be postponed until the situation is resolved.