Bogotá authorities are meeting today to prepare the planned arrival of
ten thousand indigenous protesters next Thursday. The protesters are
marching from Cali to the capital to protest against the government.
The mayor is meeting with security officials, as well as with a number of his deputies.
The city’s biggest problems is where the indigenous protesters can spend the night. The initial plan was they would stay on the campus of the National University, but that’s no longer an option, given the already tense situation on the university because of alleged guerrilla and paramilitary infiltration.
“Given the difficulties of the National University, we are analyzing offers from the District University, San Juan de Dios hospital and the Third Millenium Park,” secretary of Government Clara Lopez told Colombian media. The indigenous themselves say they will stay at Parque Bolivar, the capital’s main park.
The native Colombians are currently resting in Fusagasugá, will be marching again tomorrow. They expect to arrive in Soacha, close to Bogotá, on Wednesday.
“We decided to take a rest and organize our arrival in Bogotá in a peaceful and orderly manner, just like we have so far,” indigenous leader Daniel Piñacué told Caracol Radio.
Bogotá authorities share the indigenous’ confidence in an ordely protest. “We are certain all will proceed in complete normalcy. They have shown proof of being civil and showed a peaceful protest the city will greet and protect,” Lopez said.
The International Red Cross will help city authorities to shelter the masses of protesters.