Colombia deploys 50,000 troops to combat violent protests in support of farmers; two die in Bogota

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos ordered the deployment of army troops in the capital, Bogota, following violent protests in support of a strike by small-scale farmers. The Friday order also activated more than 50,000 troops who will be used around the country.

Santos said the troops were needed “to assure normality.”

The order came on the same day when talking with protesting farmers appeared to show progress. Farmer groups agreed to lift roadblocks on major highways but said they would conintue roadside pickets until all their issues are discussed.

Farmers say government policies are driving them into bankruptcy and they need support to pay for high fuel costs and compete with products entering the country as a result of free trade agreements with other countries.

The conflict has closed highways through the countries borders with Ecuador and Venezuela, stranding hundreds of travelers.

Clashes with police broke out in Bogota after thousands of people took to the streets in support of the farmers. At least two people have died and hundreds have been injured.

“Last night, I ordered the militarisation of Bogota and I will do the same today in any municipality or area that needs the presence of our soldiers,” Santos said in a televised address after an overnight cabinet meeting. “It’s unacceptable that the actions of a few impact the lives of the majority.”

He had earlier described the protests as “valid”, but urged demonstrators to keep them peaceful.

Clashes broke out on Thursday afternoon in Bogotya after tens of thousands of people marched peacefully in support of a 10-day protest by small-scale farmers. News correspondents said masked youths threw stones and bricks, and fought riot police who responded with tear gas and water cannon.

The two deaths occurred overnight in the western districts of Suba and Engativa, although the circumstances are not yet clear, Bogota security chief Alfonso Jaramillo said. Interior Minister Fernando Carrillo said that those who had resorted to violence were “vandals, not farmers”.

The protests have united potato growers and milk producers with teachers, health workers and students. Roadblocks set up by protesters have disrupted food supplies to major cities and towns.

On Wednesday the government announced measures, including better prices for agricultural products and more access to loans, to ease the pressure on farmers. The government also promised more protection from products imported at lower prices from countries with free-trade agreements with Colombia.

But the small-scale farmers have so far rejected the government’s offer. They say that free trade agreements with the European Union and the U.S., which have recently come into force, are flooding the market with agricultural products at prices they are unable to match.

They also complain that rising fuel and production costs have turned small-scale farming into a loss-making business.

Photo caption: Troops patrol in Bogota