Colombia: Opposition activists plan nationwide protests November 25 /update 8

Event

Opposition activists have called for more protests in Bogotá on Monday, November 25, in the fifth consecutive day of opposition demonstrations. In coordination with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, protesters plan to gather at 09:00 (local time) at Plaza de Bolívar. They also are due to march at 16:00 from the Parque Nacional to the Plaza de la Hoja. Several education unions have called for "cacerolazo" protests to be held in public schools and colleges throughout the country. Participants plan to hold the cacerolazos between 10:30 and 11:30, and between 13:00 and 14:00. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected near all protest sites over the coming hours.

On Friday, November 22, President Iván Duque announced that his administration will hold national dialogue on Monday to discuss reforms and to address the grievances of protesters.

Several hundred people marched through the capital on Sunday, November 24, to honor a teenager that was gravely injured by a tear gas canister during a protest on Saturday, November 23.

Further protests are to be expected in Bogotá and other major urban areas over the coming days. Clashes between protesters and security forces 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. As of November 25, three people have reportedly been killed in protests. 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.