Colombia's Government Moves To Contain Mass Strikes And Protests Planned This Week

(Image: Sergio Fernandez)

The Guardian: Colombia to close its borders in attempt to contain mass protests

Border closures, curfews and bans on sale of alcohol announced as tens of thousands are expected to march amid wave of turmoil.

Colombia’s government has announced plans to close its borders, part of a string of measures to contain mass strikes and protests planned this week amid sweeping unrest in South America.

Tens of thousands are expected to join protests on Thursday against the right-wing government of Iván Duque, whose popularity has dwindled steadily since he took office in August last year.

The marches, announced weeks ago following proposed austerity measures, come amid a wave of political turmoil across the region: Chile has seen more than a month of anti-government protests, which last week led its political parties to agree to a referendum on replacing the country’s dictatorship-era constitution; Bolivia is still reeling from the military-backed ousting of the president, Evo Morales. Colombia’s neighbours are also mired in political turbulence: Ecuador’s president, Lenín Moreno, was forced to backtrack on austerity measures by a wave of popular protest, while Venezuela is still mired in economic collapse and political violence.

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WNU Editor: This is nothing new. There have been mass protests against the rule of President Duque since he was elected last year .... Mass protests in Colombia mar president’s first 100 days but reveal a nation marching toward peace (The Conversation. December 7, 2018). But what is new are the measures that the Colombian government to contain this.