Colombia: Roadblocks resume in Nariño Nov. 7 /update 6

Event

Protesting indigenous groups reestablished roadblocks in Nariño department on the Pasto-Tumaco highway (Route 10) on Tuesday, November 7, following three days of calm. The blockade was erected in the municipality of Barbacoas around 07:30 (local time) and disrupted traffic throughout the day.

Talks between the government and the groups behind the protests were reportedly set to begin on November 7 but did not occur, leading to the call for roadblocks. Further protest actions are likely in the coming days.

Context

Indigenous groups have been holding similar protests in other parts of the country in recent weeks, particularly in the Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Cauca departments, to demand that the government address issues affecting rural areas (poverty, lack of public services, poor education, etc.) as well as to denounce heavy-handed tactics used by anti-narcotics police against coca farmers. Many of the demonstrations resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces, leaving at least 44 people injured (as of November 6) nationwide. There were also reportedly 24 threats made to protesters, 19 from paramilitaries and five from unknown sources. Protesters could decide to block roads again in these departments if negotiations with the government break down.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation and, generally speaking, avoid all protests and roadblocks due to the risk of violence.