On Sunday, leftist groups in Colombia staged protests and attempted to block streets in Bogotá and other cities in response to the election of conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriela as president.
During the unrest in Cali, at least one individual was reported dead. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this death.
Colombia conducted its highly anticipated presidential runoff on June 21, with de la Espriela, a 47-year-old lawyer and businessman, winning against far-left senator Iván Cepeda. The Organization of American States (OAS) noted that the elections were conducted peacefully and transparently, commending Colombian electoral authorities for their professionalism and efficiency in counting the votes.
Leonel Fernández, former president of the Dominican Republic and head of the OAS’s observation mission, mentioned that the elections proceeded without any disruptions to public order and highlighted the active participation of Colombian voters.
However, despite the peaceful nature of the runoff, various leftist factions erupted in violence following the conservative victory.
Colombian newspapers reported that rioting began in several neighborhoods of Bogotá shortly after de la Espriela’s victory was declared.
According to reports, rioters wearing masks erected barricades using burnt tires, motorcycles, and piles of trash. Residents in Bogotá’s Chicala neighborhood voiced concerns about property damage caused by rocks and other projectiles during confrontations with police. Authorities authorized the use of force after demonstrators attacked a team involved in mediating social conflicts in Bogotá. In the Usme and Kennedy neighborhoods, rioters specifically targeted police stations.
Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan announced that local media had reported the arrest of three adults and two children for attempting to storm a police station in Usmeh.
El Espectador indicated that the riots disrupted public transportation, affecting approximately 183,000 individuals. This led the National University of Colombia to suspend in-person classes the following Monday, as reported by a local radio station.
Violence also erupted in Cali after the election results, resulting in damage to both public and private property, along with at least one fatality.
Cali police confirmed that a male victim was shot while riding his motorcycle, and the investigation into his death is ongoing.
Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder noted incidents of unrest in the Puerto Rellena area, where clashes between individuals and law enforcement occurred, along with attempts to vandalize public property.
“In the process, around 15 traffic cameras were damaged in the city, and three were completely destroyed. We managed to contain the situation, keeping the rioters confined and protecting the city,” he added.
Following the protests, Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez and Police Chief William Rincon reported that about 250 people participated in the demonstrations in Cali. They stated that measures were being taken to prevent further disturbances and to maintain community peace.
Sánchez emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to uphold calm in areas experiencing protests and urged Colombians to act respectfully.
De la Espriela is set to take office on August 7, 2026, succeeding outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who was Colombia’s first leftist president. This election indicates a shift back to conservative governance after four years under Petro’s administration.
As the tension unfolded, Petro publicly dismissed the election results, claiming interference in the voting software.
