Image source - bbc.com
Cali emerged earlier this month as the epicenter of the nationwide protest movement, with some demonstrators erecting blockades that have impeded access to fuel and other goods. The protests were originally to oppose a now-withdrawn tax reform but have since expanded. The unrest has also pressured the government into shelving health reform and prompted the resignation of former Finance Minister Alberto Carrasquilla.
Violence has broken out during the protests and dozens of people have been killed to date (30 May 2021), according to local human rights groups, which have accused the Colombian police of using excessive force. The government has linked 17 civilian deaths and the deaths of two police officers to the protests, which started on April 28, while rights groups say dozens more civilians have been killed by security forces.
President Ivan Duque announced on Friday (28 May 2021) he was deploying military troops to Cali while the nation marked a full month of Colombia-wide rallies that have morphed into a broad anti-establishment mobilisation. He ordered 7,000 troops to help clear and patrol blockaded roads in 10 departments, while a total of 1,141 soldiers were deployed in Cali.
"This deployment will almost triple our capacity in less than 24 hours throughout the state, ensuring assistance as well at critical points, where we have seen acts of vandalism, violence and low-intensity urban terrorism," President added
Meanwhile, Colombian protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations.
“Until the government listens to us, we have to stay in the streets,” - 23 year old protester Alejandro Franco.