A surge of national pride swept through Bogotá as thousands converged on Plaza de Bolívar, answering a direct call from President Gustavo Petro. The demonstration wasn't a spontaneous uprising, but a carefully orchestrated response to escalating rhetoric from the United States regarding potential intervention in Colombian affairs.
The catalyst was a startling statement from former President Trump, who reportedly indicated openness to military action in Colombia, just days after political shifts in neighboring Venezuela. Petro, initially prepared to deliver a forceful condemnation, found himself recalibrating his message moments before addressing the massive crowd.
A last-minute phone call with Trump prompted a softening of Petro’s tone, though not his resolve. He still spoke of Colombia’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty, but delivered the message with a newfound diplomatic restraint, acknowledging the unexpected conversation.
Plaza de Bolívar, the historic heart of Bogotá, pulsed with energy. Over 20,000 citizens, draped in Colombian flags and carrying protest signs, filled the square from the afternoon well into the night. The air thrummed with chants of defiance: “No to being a North American colony! Yes to a free and sovereign Colombia!”
The demonstration quickly became a platform for broader concerns, extending beyond the immediate threat of foreign intervention. Protesters voiced outrage over the exploitation of Colombia’s natural resources and the presence of foreign military installations within its borders.
“If we don’t defend our country, who will?” one demonstrator passionately declared, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the square. The movement wasn’t solely about Colombia, many emphasized, but about the future of Latin America as a whole.
The rally was a vibrant display of national unity, featuring musical performances and the participation of labor leaders, union representatives, and a significant portion of President Petro’s cabinet. From a central stage, speakers articulated the nation’s concerns and reaffirmed its commitment to self-determination.
President Petro used the opportunity to highlight the achievements of his administration, presenting data on his government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and support rural communities. He pointed to the seizure of 2,800 tons of illegal substances and the registration of 30,000 hectares for voluntary crop substitution programs.
Petro directly accused elements within the U.S. far-right and Colombian political circles of deliberately misleading Trump, painting him as a puppet of Venezuela and falsely alleging his involvement in “cocaine factories.” He insisted his government harbored no animosity towards any people, only a firm defense of Colombian sovereignty.
Confirmation of the phone call came swiftly from Trump himself, via his social media platform. He described the conversation with Petro as “great” and expressed optimism about future engagement, announcing plans for a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister at the White House.
Despite the conciliatory tone of the call, Petro concluded his speech with a powerful reaffirmation of Colombia’s independence. He directly challenged his political opponents, warning that any attack on him would be considered an attack on the nation itself, and Colombia would respond with the full force of its history.
