Colombia has closed its borders ahead of a national strike supported by a broad coalition of social movements on Thursday, which saw teargas deployed in the capital Bogota and a curfew ordered in the western city of Cali.
President Ivan Duque, a social conservative who came to power in August 2018, now faces widespread discontent over rising unemployment, economic reforms and a deteriorating security situation.
Protesters in Cali also clashed with police at the Valle University and 11 public transportation vehicles were vandalized.
The Colombian government has given local authorities permission to impose exceptional measures such as restrictions on freedom of movement and bans on the sale of alcoholic beverages.
