04 Mar 2024 | 07:43 PM UTC
Colombia: Anti-government groups to demonstrate in several cities March 6
Anti-government activists to protest in multiple cities throughout Colombia March 6. Heightened security, transport disruptions likely.
Anti-government activists, including members of opposition political parties, plan to protest in multiple cities throughout Colombia March 6. The purpose of the action is to condemn the policies of President Gustavo Petro's administration.
The main and likely largest march will take place in Bogota. Participants will assemble at the Parque Nacional starting at 10:00 before marching to Plaza de Bolivar. Related gatherings will take place in at least 15 other cities, including:
Barranquilla: Rally at Joe Arroyo statue, 10:00
Bucaramanga: March from Puerta del Sol to Plazoleta Luis Carlos Galan, 10:00
Cali: March from Parque de las Banderas to Plazoleta Jairo Varela, 10:00
Cartagena: Rally at Plaza de los Coches, 16:00
Cucuta: March from Ventura Plaza to Parque Santander, 10:00
Medellin: Rally at the intersection of Avenida Oriental and Avenida La Playa, 10:00
Some of the protests, especially those in Bogota and Medellin, draw thousands of participants, prompting localized transport and, in some cases, business disruptions. While the potential for violence will be low, authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security along all march routes and at all rally locations as a standard precaution.
Avoid all protests on March 6. Keep away from announced demonstration sites and march routes as a standard precaution; allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of authorities.
The main opposition Democratic Center (Centro Democratico) party is one of the primary organizers of the protests. Petro's approval numbers have been steadily falling to around 40 percent, and he has been calling on his supporters to pressure Congress to pass his reforms, given that he depends on multiple parties to obtain a majority. Some opposition members accuse the president of elevating tensions.
