Colombia museum controversy sparks protests as riot police return to Bogota streets
Key Takeaways
- Colombia's government removes at least 30 exhibits, including works addressing feminism, LGBTIQ+ issues and political history.
- Two days of demonstrations lead to clashes as riot police patrol central Bogota.
- The government introduces a new anti-riot police structure despite previous allegations of excessive force.
The removal of historical, feminist and LGBTIQ+ exhibits from Colombia's National Museum triggers protests as President De la Espriella defends his cultural policies.
Riot police have been deployed around Colombia's National Museum in Bogota following two days of protests over the government's decision to remove at least 30 exhibits from the institution.
The demonstrations, which resulted in clashes between protesters and police, followed a decision by President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration to withdraw several historical and cultural pieces.
Among the removed exhibits were works linked to presidential candidates assassinated in 1990, alongside displays addressing feminism and the LGBTIQ+ community.
De la Espriella has defended the decision as part of what he describes as a 'cultural counter-revolution'.
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On Monday, officers from the Mobile Anti-Riot Squadron (Esmad) were seen patrolling streets near the museum, carrying shields as an armoured vehicle remained stationed nearby.
The police presence has raised concerns among some residents, who argue that the government's actions threaten artistic expression and historical representation.
Alejandro Echeverri, a citizen near the museum, criticised the removal of the exhibits.
"It feels like we are under a government that is very oppressive towards art, because they interfered with a museum that gathers a great deal of history," he said.
Echeverri also rejected the government's justification for the changes, arguing that art should be allowed to challenge public opinion.
"No, totally disagree. I feel that a cultural revolution is not about wanting to repress art, because art, for better or worse, will generate discomfort by itself, and that should not affect the government; instead you have to improve," he added.
Another resident, Hernando Gonzales, expressed concern about the confrontation between authorities and demonstrators.
"It is unfortunate that because of people who think differently this kind of situation arises," he maintained.
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However, not everyone opposed the deployment of specialised riot police.
Juan Carlos Daza defended the use of a dedicated unit to respond to disturbances during demonstrations.
"Just as there are people who protest peacefully, there are also people who are violent and it requires a shock force to control them," he stated.
The unrest comes amid changes to Colombia's police structure.
On October 13, 2026, the National Police formalised the creation of the National Anti-Riot Unit (Unadi) through Resolution 03226.
The decision reverses changes introduced in November 2022 under former President Gustavo Petro, when Esmad was incorporated into the Dialogue and Maintenance of Order Unit (Undmo).
Under the new arrangement, Undmo has been replaced by Unadi, with Esmad explicitly restored within its structure.
Esmad has previously faced allegations of excessive force, arbitrary detentions, injuries and deaths during protests in 2019 and 2021.
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Despite those concerns, the government maintains that the new police framework preserves existing human rights obligations.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
