Colombia: Nationwide demonstrations and strikes likely to continue through at least mid-June /update 9

Event

Anti-government protests will likely continue in multiple areas across Colombia through at least mid-June. Unions, students, indigenous organizations, and agricultural workers have mostly led the demonstrations since they began in late April; many of the protests have been disruptive and some have devolved into violence, with clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces. While daily unannounced protests have been decreasing in size and frequency in recent days, hundreds of thousands of activists nationwide have, nonetheless, continued to gather for planned demonstrations. The National Strike Committee (Comite Nacional del Paro; CNP), an umbrella organization of multiple unions in Colombia, has called for another day of protests on June 9 which will be mostly focused in Bogota. Protests usually occur along major roads, outside government buildings and in major city squares.

Although protesters continue to build roadblocks along major roads and intercity highways, security forces have removed more than 1,000 of these barricades since late May, allowing for an improvement in mobility throughout the country. Government authorities have made reopening roads a priority, and leaders of the CNP have called on demonstrators to remove the roadblocks. Authorities have said there were still 52 roadblocks in place across the country as of June 2, including several in and around the cities of Cali and Cucuta and in the Huila and Cauca departments.

Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as between demonstrators and armed civilians, and acts of looting and arson continue to occur, although less frequently than during the initial days of the unrest. Most of the violent actions occur during nighttime, in contrast with the larger demonstrations during the day which are mostly peaceful. Valle del Cauca Department, including its capital city Cali, has been the most affected by violence since the beginning of the protests, although clashes have been reported in early June in other cities, such as Bogota and Bucaramanga.

In all, the Attorney General's Office has recorded 48 people killed in the unrest, 20 of them directly related to the demonstrations; more than 900 civilians and 900 police officers have been injured. Human rights organizations have recorded a higher number of killings, many of which were allegedly committed by security forces, and more than 2,300 people injured. Additionally, hundreds of vehicles, private businesses, government offices, and police stations have been set ablaze or otherwise vandalized by demonstrators.

Further clashes between demonstrators and security forces are likely. Police and military personnel could deploy water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. The use of live ammunition cannot be ruled out. Associated labor strikes may limit services in public offices, healthcare facilities, and essential businesses. Acts of looting and vandalism are likely, especially after dark.

Context

The unrest began on April 28 in opposition to a tax reform bill supported by President Ivan Duque's administration. While the government ultimately withdrew the draft law, protests have continued against other government policies, including the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the response of the security forces against the demonstrators, among other issues.

Representatives of President Duque and leaders of the National Strike Committee have held several meetings since mid-May; however, they have been unable to reach significant agreements or to formally launch a negotiation process.

Members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will visit Colombia starting June 8 to meet with government leaders and opposition representatives, as well as human rights organizations and activists, to investigate allegations of human rights abuses.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross any protester roadblocks; allow police to clear them before proceeding. Monitor local media for updates on the status of roads, as protest locations may not be announced in advance. Exit the area at the first sign of any confrontation.