Thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in a major national protest, as their president announced a planned meeting with his US counterpart following a dramatic escalation in tensions over military threats.
A Day of National Mobilisation
On Wednesday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed he had agreed to meet former US President Donald Trump. This announcement came after Petro himself called for citizens to participate in a 'day of national mobilisation' against what he termed aggressive military threats from the United States.
The public anger in Colombia has been steadily mounting since last week's events, when US forces intervened in neighbouring Venezuela, leading to the capture of that country's leader, Nicolás Maduro. The situation reached a boiling point after Trump's comments on Sunday, which further inflamed Colombian sentiment.
Trump's Provocative Remarks Fuel Anger
When questioned over the weekend about the potential for a US military operation in Colombia, Donald Trump gave a stark and controversial response. 'Sounds good to me. You know why? Because they kill a lot of people,' the former president stated.
These remarks, perceived as a direct threat and a grave characterisation of the nation, acted as a catalyst for the widespread demonstrations. Protesters flooded public spaces, with many brandishing signs and chanting slogans such as 'Out with the Yanks!', voicing a deep-seated resentment against US foreign policy in the region.
Broader Implications for South America
The unfolding crisis extends far beyond bilateral relations between Colombia and the United States. Analysts suggest that the US attack on Venezuela and its aftermath could decisively influence the future direction of South America's vast mineral wealth.
The agreement for Presidents Petro and Trump to meet represents a critical juncture in diplomacy, attempting to de-escalate a situation that has mobilised a nation and drawn international attention to Washington's strategic interests in Latin America. The outcome of this high-stakes dialogue is likely to have profound consequences for regional stability and geopolitical alliances.
