Colombia: Officials announce the deployment of a large number of military personnel to Valle del Cauca Department, May 28, in response to unrest

Event

Officials will deploy additional military personnel to Valle del Cauca Department, including the regional capital, Cali, following civil unrest on May 28, which led to the deaths of several people. The unrest is related to ongoing nationwide anti-government demonstrations. President Ivan Duque indicated, May 28 that 7,000 military personnel would be deployed to the region to lift roadblocks. Officials in Cali also announced an overnight curfew on May 28, starting at 19:00 and ending at 05:00 on May 29, in response to the unrest. It is not clear if the curfew will continue in the coming days.

Heightened security measures will almost certainly remain in place in the coming days and may be expanded further if demonstrations continue to escalate. Military and police patrols, checkpoints, and movement restrictive measures are likely to continue to contain the unrest. Clashes between protesters and security personnel are likely as officials move to lift roadblocks.

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, among other issues. Representatives of President Duque and leaders of the National Strike Committee have held several meetings since mid-May; however, they have not reached significant agreements or formally launched a negotiation process.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Monitor local media and liaise with trusted contacts for updates on the security situation. Heed the directives of the authorities. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.