Colombia: Hundreds gather to protest in Bogota September 7 /update 1

Event

Hundreds of people joined a protest organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the Central Workers Union (CUT) in Bogota on Monday, September 7. The protesters converged in their cars and on motorcycles in order to comply with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions on gatherings. This was the first protest held by unions in months due to lockdown measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants gathered to denounce a recent government decree over pension contributions.

Organizers declared the protest a success and have stated they are likely to organize further gatherings on September 21, during October, and on November 21 to commemorate a major march held last year. A heightened security presence and overland transport disruptions are expected in the vicinity of future protests.

Context

Several weeks of marches by union members in November and December 2019 drew hundreds of thousands of protesters and led to clashes with security forces. They were held to protest the policies of President Iván Duque's administration, including the alleged support of unpopular economic plans and the perceived lack of government action to counter killings of human rights activists and rein in corruption. Heightened security measures were approved across Colombia in anticipation of the protests, permitting local authorities to implement curfews and restrict civilian movement.

Advice

Those in Bogota and across Colombia are advised to closely monitor developments, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.