In defense of democracy and a government for change in Colombia

ALBA Movimientos is putting all social and popular organisations of Latin America and the Caribbean on alert regarding an international mobilisation against the new coup attempt that is being developed by the local and regional conservative forces acting against Gustavo Petro in Colombia. This maneuver is being added to the already ongoing judicial persecution against alternative governments that are democratically elected through the popular vote in the region.

We firmly reject any attempt to carry out any coups that are not only against the president, but also act against democracy, the popular vote and the fundamental principles of the Colombian constitution.

In the last few months, we have been witness to a systematic effort by certain parts of the political and economic sectors to delegitimize President Petro’s mandate, putting into question not only the decisions of the government, but also the popular will of the people that is expressed through the ballot. These maneuvers are not only antidemocratic, they are also flagrant violations of the principles of due process and respect for the constitution of the Republic of Colombia.

In reality, these forces are seeking to attack the process of change that the Colombians have democratically chosen, which they have also supported by taking to the streets through mass mobilisations on many occasions. Now, we demand that the will and the choices made by the Colombian people be respected, alongside the popular and social movements of the region. 

Within the past few years, Colombia has managed to demonstrate that the country, together with all of “Nuestra America”, is a global power which defends life, common goods, and is always on the frontlines of defense for the self determination of all peoples. 

We demand that the Presidential mandate of Gustavo Petro be respected, that due process is followed and that the sovereignty of the people as expressed through their vote remains as is.