Peasants Mobilized in Colombia: The Strike is Finished, the Struggle Continues

Jun 16, 2016 | Lyda Fernanda Forero and Danilo Urrea
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On May 27th, the Cumbre Agraria, Campesina, Etnica y Popular called for a national Minga, a period of strikes and mobilizations across the country aiming to put pressure on the government, demand the fulfilment of agreements made since 2013, and bring change to the current development model.

Since May 30th, different mobilizations, rallies and creative ways of expressing resistance have taken place around the Andean Country. According to Congreso de los Pueblos (one of the Cumbre members), more than 100,000 people were consistently mobilized in 100 areas in 27 departments, and almost 30,000 people took part in specific actions. Peaceful and cultural activities, such as an afro-community and fisher folks party to block the biggest maritime port, and a creative city hall occupation led by Rios Vivos Movement have been held in villages and cities. In a repeat of the 2013 struggles, many organizations have joined the initial call: peasants, afro-descendent communities, indigenous peoples, fisher folks, students, trade unions, truck-drivers, teachers, environmental defenders, and the general population are mobilized both in rural and urban areas, demanding a shift in the development model.