Tax reform is the issue that in April sparked mass nationwide protests that left more than 60 people dead and the Colombian government is facing accusations of use of excessive force.
Colombian unions, student groups and civil society members say they will continue their demonstrations, seeking social change amid intermittent talks between the government and strike organisers.
Colombians have protested across the country against President Ivan Duque's government, which they feel has long ignored their needs.
Since April 28, hundreds of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets to show their frustrations against the government after poverty and violence soared during the pandemic.
Protests began last week in opposition to a now-cancelled tax reform plan but demonstrators have expanded their demands to include government action to tackle poverty, police violence and inequality in the health and education systems.
Figures from an NGO show that over 30 people have died since the start of the protests, while official figures show at least 18 of 24 dead were shot, and over 800 others injured.
Bogota’s tax proposal has triggered anger as ordinary people feel the government has burdened them, and not the rich, with fixing the pandemic-hit economy.
Despite the withdrawal of the bill from congress, an umbrella group known as the National Strike Committee is calling for new demonstrations.
The decision by President Ivan Duque follows violent demonstrations in several cities across the country against the government’s unpopular tax bill, which the protesters believe would render them poorer amid virus pandemic.
A confrontation between Venezuela's military with an armed group in the southwestern Venezuelan state of Apure near the frontier with Colombia resulted in several casualties, said the mayor of Arauquita, Etelivar Torres.
The coronavirus has killed over 2.5 million people and infected more than 113 million globally. Here are the virus-related developments for February 26:
At least 13 people have been killed and over 400 wounded during widespread disturbances after a video released on social media showed Ordonez being repeatedly tasered by police during a street arrest.
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