Nationwide demonstrations over a now-annulled tax proposal are expected to continue for a 13th consecutive day on 10 May 2021. Demonstrations have primarily affected the cities of Bogotá and Cali in recent days. In Bogotá, the capital, authorities have closed the 21 Ángeles, Campiña and Suba portal metro stations due to ongoing demonstrations, while 52 stations remain closed due to damage sustained since demonstrations began. President Ivan Duque is scheduled to meet representatives of the National Strike Committee at approximately 1200 local time (1700 UTC) at the Casa de Nariño presidential residence in Bogotá. Although the government’s now-annulled tax proposal spurred the demonstrations, organizers are now demanding government action on poverty, unemployment and police brutality.
On 9 May 2021, demonstrations and clashes occurred in the cities of Bogota and Cali. In Bogotá, demonstrators gathering at the Parque de los Hippies caused transportation disruptions in the area, particularly on Carrera Septima. In Cali, 10 indigenous demonstrators were injured amid clashes with residents and police officers in the Ciudad Jardin neighborhood. Local media reports state that local residents attacked the indigenous demonstrators with firearms as they attempted to enter the neighborhood and clashes continued for approximately four hours. Additionally, President Duque ordered the deployment of additional security forces to Cali and lifted blockades erected after recent violent clashes. At least 10,000 police officers and 2,100 soldiers will be deployed to patrol the city.
Meanwhile, the governor of Valle del Cauca department — where Cali is located – ordered restrictions on entry into the department during 10-15 May in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the area as well as the ongoing unrest. Exceptions to the entry ban include trucks delivering food, fuel and other essential items. Other exceptions include health services, funeral services and essential work purposes. Meanwhile, authorities in Cali imposed gasoline rationing guidelines, which will be in effect from 9 May until further notice. The sale of gasoline to residents will now be limited in accordance with the last digit of residents’ license plate numbers, and will occur daily from 0800 to 1700 local time. People whose license plate numbers end in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) can buy gasoline on even days, while those whose plate numbers end in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) can buy gasoline on odd days. Gas stations that have quantities of fuel can operate from 0600 to 1900 local time.
