A group of Wayuu Indians blocked a northern section of the border between Colombia and Venezuela on Tuesday in protest against the seizure of their merchandise by Colombian authorities.
Harlem Garrido, the Mayor of Maicao, the town located nearest the border point, asserted that the Indians had requested his service as mediator in negotiations with the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs in the hope that authorities will once again allow the Wayuu to bring merchandise and supplies into Colombia from Venezuela, reported news site ADN.ES on Tuesday.
The Indians have kept the road through the area closed and have asked for an appointment with the Mayor in order to express their demands.
“They are protesting their rejection of the measures which prevent them from transporting goods from Venezuela into the town of Maicao,” stated Garrido in the ADN.ES report. Allegedly negotiations will be undertaken with authorities to enable the Wayuu tribe to continue with their livelihoods in relative peace.
Venezuela froze diplomatic and commercial relations with Colombia in July following Colombia’s announcement that it was considering the possibility of openning seven of its airbases to U.S. military personnel.