Capital officials from Bogota, Colombia imposed a city-wide curfew from 9pm to 6pm when protests against the government turned violent.

The initial curfew order came into effect at 8:00 pm on November 22 in the Kennedy, Ciudad Bolivar and Bosa counties. The order was later extended throughout the capital Bogota at 21:00. According to the notice posted on the city mayor's website, the curfew will take effect until 6am the following day.

Bogota Mayor Enrique Peñalosa said the imposition of a curfew in the capital was needed due to the looting.

"This is not a strike, a democratic march or protest. We are facing a small number of criminals who sabotage the city, community and private property of the people. We will do everything we can to make sure it works." activities of the city, "said Peñalosa.

Peñalosa is expected to resign by the end of this year. His replacement was Claudia López, the first lesbian to lead the city. Ms. López called on people in Bogota to "not destroy and prevent all forms of violence," but she supported peaceful protests.

Protests and strikes across the country organized by trade unions and Colombian social movements began on November 21. Right-wing President Ivan Duque, who took office in August 2018, is facing widespread discontent due to rising unemployment rates, economic reform issues and worsening security conditions.

10,000 people demonstrated in Bogota on November 21 to call for the government to stop corruption, raise minimum wages and increase education spending. Riot police must use water cannons to disperse crowds and relieve the streets flooded by protesters in Bogota.

At least three people have been killed in protests in Valle del Cauca, near Bogota. Three police officers were also killed and six injured in a truck bomb explosion outside the police station in Santander de Quilichao, southwestern Cauca state on November 22. However, authorities believe that the explosion was not related to the protests.

Colombia, a South American country with nearly 50 million people, is the fourth largest economy in Latin America with oil as the main export. Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia all experienced major social unrest this year as regional governments struggled to address economic stagnation, corruption, inequality and national issues. other.