What is the minga doing in Bogotá? Details of the protest

The Bogotá Mayor's Office, together with the District Government Secretariat (SGD), coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and adequate accommodations of the members of the National Indigenous Minga, who arrived in the capital on April 27. What is the reason for their presence?

Regarding this situation, Gustavo Quintero Ardila, Secretary of Government, stated: “Bogotá welcomes the Indigenous communities mobilizing within the framework of the National Minga. We reaffirm our commitment to respect, dialogue, and the joint search for solutions. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán has expressed his full willingness to ensure that the dialogue is ongoing and effective, as we have done on other occasions and as we will continue to do in the best possible way,” he revealed in statements that can be viewed on the aforementioned official website of the government entity. “For their stay, we have made the Tercer Milenio Park available as a welcoming space. We call on the National Indigenous Minga to ensure that, in the event of any situation, doubt, or special case, they know that we will always be available to listen and find solutions,” the official added. (See more: Very pretty, but attracts snakes: the plant you should avoid in your garden) A very important detail to note is that this mobilization will accompany the marches that will take place on May 1st, a day that alludes to the commemoration of International Labor Day.

What is the District's commitment to the Minga?

In information provided on their website, they confirmed that authorities will guarantee these individuals access to water, healthcare, and a decent place to live. Therefore, they have made the Tercer Milenio Park available to them, where tents are available for their stay. "This mobilization, as on previous occasions, has been characterized by compliance with agreements and respect for the spaces used, which have been returned in good condition at the end of the campaign," they stated. (See more: How many years does 1,300 weeks of pension contributions represent?) Due to these types of actions, the Minga Delegate Commission expressed its gratitude to the District and also to the National University, where at least 15,000 Indigenous people arrived.

"The district administration reiterates its commitment to respect for social mobilization and to working together to ensure the well-being of all citizens, within the framework of a Bogotá built on the recognition of diversity and intercultural dialogue," they noted.