Bogotá is once again the stage for indigenous social demonstrations. After a caravan of traditional “chiva” buses arrived from the Cauca department on May 11, the Misak people have maintained a constant mobilization agenda in key areas of the city. The primary goal of this new minga (collective action) is to demand security guarantees and the annulment of resolutions by the National Land Agency (ANT), which, according to leaders, threaten their ancestral territories.
**Root of the Conflict: Land and Unfulfilled Agreements**
The mobilization is not spontaneous. Misak community leaders, including spokesperson Luis Enrique Yalanda, have expressed frustration over what they call “inefficient bureaucracy.” Despite signing multiple documents with the state, they say they have not received effective support for legalizing land ownership. Key demands include:
– **Territorial expansion:** Formal delivery of land for the La María Reserve.
– **Security and establishment of councils:** Guarantees for the Nasa Chantre and El Edén councils.
– **Census validation:** Review of data by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) to ensure proper representation and resource allocation.
**Impact on Mobility and the National Administrative Center (CAN)**
Since Monday, May 11, protesters have gathered near the ANT and the Rural Development Agency (ADR). This peaceful occupation has caused significant disruptions:
– **Vehicle congestion:** Over 120 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles belonging to officials from DANE, the Ministry of Mines, and INVIMA, were blocked inside agency parking lots.
– **Urban camps:** The community has set up makeshift kitchens and tents in public building corridors, forcing emergency logistics by the district government.
**Upcoming Demonstrations: May 13-15**
**Wednesday, May 13**
– **Time:** 6:00 a.m.
– **Location:** Picketing in front of IDPAC at Calle 22 # 68C – 51, Fontibón.
**Friday, May 15**
– **Key point:** SINTRAUNISEGURIDAD calls a rally against G4S.
– **Time:** 9:00 a.m.
– **Location:** RCN – Avenida de las Américas # 65 – 82 (Puente Aranda)
– **Sit-in:** “For respect of youth participation”
– **Time:** 3:30 p.m.
**What’s Next in Negotiations?**
Although a dialogue table was set up on Monday with delegates from the Ministry of Agriculture and the ANT, results have been partial. The Misak have made it clear they have no fixed departure date. While they estimate a stay of three to four days, they warn it depends on the government’s willingness to provide concrete solutions, not just paper promises.
Negotiations resumed on Tuesday, May 12 at 9:00 a.m., amid uncertainty for Bogotá residents and state employees working in the CAN area.
