Colombia has been seized by debilitating, nationwide protests that show no signs of abating. While the original impetus for protests was a tax proposal aimed at closing a yawning budget deficit, CNN Español, the Spanish-language version of the well-known U.S. media outlet notes, the protests have morphed to take on a life of their own. Several protestors cited COVID-19 lockdowns, a lack of vaccine, and inequality as enduring reasons for protests that have shut down much of the country for weeks.
The situation between police and protestors has escalated significantly, BBC Mundo, the Spanish-language version of the British, publicly owned media outlet reports. Police stand accused of killing dozens of protestors, while protestors have set fire to numerous police stations around the country. The administration of President Iván Duque has attempted to engage in dialogue with the protestors, but differences ended talks early and protestors engaged in a national strike, the article notes. The countrywide protests contribute to further instability in one of the largest countries and closest U.S. partners in the region, already reeling from the Venezuelan migration crisis and COVID-19. Most immediately, the protests will likely contribute to greater demands for police reform. Colombia’s National Police are one of the most capable in Latin America, and one of the principal forces in the battle against the country’s guerrilla groups.
Behind the clashes…there seems to be, among other things, a deep mistrust of the other on both sides and an antagonistic view of what is happening in Colombia.
Source: “Lo que dejan 10 días de protestas en Colombia (What 10 days of protests left in Colombia),” CNN Español (the Spanish-language version of the well-known US media outlet), 7 May 2021. https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2021/05/07/protestas-colombia-lo-que-dejan-nueve-dias-deprotestas-en-colombia-orix/
The protesters haven’t tired. Ten days have passed since people took to the streets peacefully to demand from the government not only the withdrawal of the controversial tax reform, which was achieved after five days of protests last Sunday. The demonstrations have now become a popular display of broader anger…Neither the rain in many cities, nor the unfortunate violence that has occurred in some demonstrations, has overshadowed the social protest. Thousands continue to attend despite a third spike in coronavirus infections, even as national authorities and even the Pan American Health Organization have warned that hospitals could be “dangerously full” in the near future.
Source: “Protestas en Colombia: por qué el choque entre manifestantes y policías es tan profundo (Protests in Colombia: why the clash between protesters and police is so deep),” BBC Mundo (the Spanish-language version of the British, publicly-owned media outlet), 6 May 2021. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-57016978
According to the NGO Tremors, there have been 1,500 attacks against the civilian population. Official figures estimate that at least 24 civilians and one policeman have died during the clashes that have occurred after each day of protests and that have overshadowed the massive peaceful marches calling for a more just, equal, and peaceful country. Behind the clashes…there seems to be, among other things, a deep mistrust of the other on both sides and an antagonistic view of what is happening in Colombia.
- Original source: OEW Watch | March 2021 – Foreign Military Studies Office
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