Colombia: Nationwide strike and protests scheduled for December 9-10 /update 14

Event

The National Strike Committee has called for another nationwide strike and related protests on Monday, December 9, in an ongoing protest movement that begun the previous month. This is the organization's fourth such call and has presented a 13-point list of demands for President Ivan Duque. This strike will also be supported by the Indigenous Minga of Cauca, who are in Bogota for the protest movement.

Related protests ongoing since December 4 have been called to continue until at least Tuesday, December 10.

A heightened security presence, and transportation disruptions are to be expected throughout Bogota and other urban centers. A heightened security presence is also expected in the vicinity of all protests and further clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several unions and civil society groups have been organizing nationwide protests and strikes since November 21 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

Individuals in Bogotá and across Colombia are advised to closely monitor developments, avoid all protests and large public gatherings due to potential violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.