Cali emerges as epicentre of unrest in ongoing Colombia protests

On Sunday night, armed civilians attacked protesters who have blockaded main roads around the Colombian city.

Bogota, Colombia – The southwestern Colombian city of Cali, the nation’s third-largest, has become the focal point of anti-government demonstrations amid an uptick in violence between protesters, security forces and armed civilians. Nationwide protests have been continuing since April 28 after an unpopular tax reform sparked anger. The proposal was withdrawn and the finance minister stepped down, but demonstrators have expanded their list of demands from the right-wing government of President Ivan Duque. While many now want a healthcare reform set to further privatise Colombia’s health services to be rescinded, others continue to pour out into the streets to denounce widespread violence and killings engulfing the Andean nation.