19 Oct 2020 | 10:55 PM UTC
Colombia: Thousands of indigenous protesters gather in Bogota October 19
Thousands of indigenous people gather for protest march in Bogota on October 19; heightened security presence and disruptions to transport expected
Event
Thousands of indigenous people gathered in Bogota for a protest march on Monday, October 19. The demonstrators are demanding they be consulted on major development projects and allege the government have ignored a rise in the murders of indigenous leaders. The march began in the morning and protesters plan to congregate outside the presidential palace to demand a meeting with President Ivan Duque. As of 13:43 (local time) on Monday the protesters were congregated in Plaza de Bolivar, where they were being addressed by the capital's mayor. The march has thus far passed off peacefully. City authorities closed roads and suspended some services on the Transmilenio bus rapid transit system due to the march.
A heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport in the vicinity of the march are expected in the coming hours.
Advice
Those in Bogota are advised to closely monitor developments, avoid the area of the demonstration as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
