Colombia: Nationwide protests against violence expected January 20 /update 2

Event

Anti-violence marches and protests are planned nationwide on Sunday, January 20, in response to the recent car bombing in Bogotá. Events will begin at 09:00 (local time) in Bogotá with a march planned from the Parque Nacional to Plaza de Bolívar. Demonstrations in other cities will be held in the main city squares. Transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protests along with a heightened security presence.

Context

A suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack in Bogotá left 21 people dead and around 68 people wounded on Thursday, January 17. The bombing was reportedly conducted by an explosives expert and member of the National Liberation Army (ELN). Peace talks between the government and the ELN, which has conducted an ongoing armed insurgency since the 1960s, were put on hold by President Ivan Duque in 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to monitor developments to the situation and anticipate crowded conditions, a heightened security presence, and transportation disruptions at and near protest sites on Sunday. Avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.