Some 5,000 people took part in a march organized by indigenous rights groups to protest against a 2009 U.S.-Colombia military pact and to demand to be involved in Colombian politics.
The indigenous initiative was supported by students, labor unions and civil organizations and caused chaos in Bogota traffic as the protestors went from the capital’s National University campus to the central Plaza de Bolivar.
The demonstration came a day after the celebration of Colombia’s 200-year independence from Spain. The protestors claim that the deal allowing the U.S. access to at least Colombian military bases is affecting the country’s sovereignty and independence.