Protests/Strikes Continue in Colombia, Potentially Impacting Port Access and Operations

December 04: Following recent nationwide protests and strikes in Colombia, a nationwide general strike and accompanying demonstrations continued and are ongoing on December 04. In the capital, Bogota, there is a heavy police presence in the National Park, located in the eastern part of the city. Approximately 5,000 police officers are being deployed in an effort to maintain peace amid the strike. A large-scale rally is set to occur in the city’s main Plaza de Bolívar and protesters have begun gathering to participate in the rally; the city mayor reversed the previously enacted ban on the rally at the site. Transportation services are highly likely to be disrupted due to the protest actions; at least seven Transmilenio bus stations will remain closed for the day.

Elsewhere in the country, protesters vandalized a bus in the southwestern city of Cali. Protesters are gathering at different locations throughout the city. Similar demonstrations are planned in other major cities such as Cartagena and Medellín. While organizers have pledged to peacefully carry out the protest actions, violence is an ever-present concern during such gatherings and clashes between police officers and participants are likely.

Source: GlobalSecur

CSO Alliance Comment: Disruptions to port access is considered likely in port cities impacted by the protests and strikes, including in Barranquilla and Cartagena.