Colombians Mobilize in Tribute to the 2019 Social Uprising
Popular mobilization in Colombia. Photo: Institutional Channel.
November 21, 2024 Hour: 1:14 pm
At that time, the repression unleashed by President Duque left 87 deaths, 1,905 injured people, and 1,365 arrests.
On Thursday, Colombian labor unions and social organizations held massive demonstrations to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the “Social Uprising.”
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They organized large-scale marches in the cities of Bogota, Tunja, Monteria, Riohacha, Florencia, Bucaramanga, and Cucuta, also highlighting their support for President Gustavo Petro and his proposals for social reform and the promotion of peace.
Citizens raised their voices against Colombia’s economic and political elites, who are attempting to carry out a soft coup against the Petro administration. The marches also marked the anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement, with 70 productive ventures led by former guerrilla members participating in the event.
The demonstrations will culminate in Bolivar Square, where a special concert will be held featuring the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonic Youth Choir, and the Children of Peace Choir.
In 2019, citizens initiated an uprising against then-President Ivan Duque, a far-right politician whose economic policies severely impacted the Colombian economy and population. The following year, social conditions worsened significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with this situation, workers, students, youth, and Indigenous communities took to the streets, demanding improvements in healthcare and education, as well as equal opportunities and social equity. However, due to the violence unleashed by Duque, the social uprising left a toll of 87 deaths, 1,905 injuries, and 1,365 arrests, according to human rights defenders.
The protests that began in 2019 allowed citizens to advance toward popular unity and adopt an agenda aimed at transforming their country. This effort culminated in the electoral victory of Gustavo Petro, who became the first leftist president in Colombia’s history.
teleSUR/ JF Source: RTVC – teleSUR
