Armed protests announced in Colombia

The ELN (Ejercito Liberación Nacional, a non-state armed group) announced its intention to undertake an armed protest from 06:00 14 December 2025 until 06:00 17 December 2025. ELN has warned of possible attacks in six cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Popayan, Barrancabermeja, and Cucuta. The ELN says civilians should avoid approaching police and military facilities, vehicles and motorcycles in these areas. The ELN has also warned civilians to avoid traveling by roads and navigable rivers.

The group is known to be active in the following regions: Norte de Santander, Cauca, Nariño, Antioquia and Arauca, though the risk may not be limited to these areas.

New Zealanders in these regions, and throughout Colombia, are advised to exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. We advise avoiding large public gatherings and exercising caution in areas with large crowds, and avoiding travelling by road outside of main urban centres in regions where the ELN is known to be active.

We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising particular vigilance in public places. 

You should monitor the media and other local information sources for any new information on potential threats to your safety and security.

Please let your loved ones back home know that you are safe and well.

Read our advice on when there is a threat of violence or conflict.

If you require consular assistance, please contact the New Zealand Embassy in Bogotá on +57 601 439 1666 or at [email protected].