Colombians Defy Curfew, Protesters Rally at Presidential House

Violent protests sparked on Thursday during nationwide demonstrations and strikes in Colombia were resumed on Friday in the country’s capital, prompting authorities to declare a curfew in Bogota, the first since the 1970s.

Late on Friday, some dozens of protesters relocated from the centre of Bogota to adjacent areas surrounding the residence of President Ivan Duque, ignoring a citywide curfew and blocking road traffic. Videos posted to social media depicted a mob chanting and making rhythmic noises using simple household data-x-items like pans and bowls.

​Duque earlier on Friday imposed a curfew on the entire city of Bogota, after peaceful protest rallies kicked off earlier this week turned violent.

​Duque has authorized the use of emergency means for ensuring order during the protests, banning the possession of firearms and prohibiting the consumption and sale of alcohol.

​In a televised address, Duque called for a "national conversation" to discuss the grievances of Colombians that have lead to the massive unrest.

Protests were initially planned at a student rally, but some in the political opposition announced plans to hold a general strike the same day. Fearing that Colombia might follow recent scenarios that have endangered the rule of several other Latin American administrations recently, the incumbent government has taken what it describes as preemptive measures.