Colombia to stage national strike on 25 April

Colombia will stage a national strike on Thursday 25 April to protest the government’s neglect of core issues around economics and security that continue to negatively impact much of the population.

Strike demands include full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement and an end to the shocking levels of violence against social activists in the country. The strike is also a protest against the government’s proposed National Development Plan, which its opponents say will increase economic disparities and environmental damage in many rural areas.

The national strike is the first since 2016 and is backed by indigenous and rural community groups, trade unions, students, human rights organisations and opposition parties. Many of these sectors have suffered high levels of violence since the peace agreement was signed in November 2016. The situation has been exacerbated by government politicians’ regular attempts to stigmatise public protests and activism.

The national strike will see large demonstrations and rallies in major Colombian cities and towns.