Colombia Pass
Photograph showing the closure of the San Miguel International Bridge, which connects San Miguel (Colombia) with the rural area of Lago Agrio (Ecuador). Photo: EFE
TL;DR
- The border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador reopened after a 19-day blockade.
- The blockade caused up to a 95% economic collapse in the border region.
- Protests by trade guilds and border workers led to the closure, rejecting bilateral trade dispute measures.
- Ecuador imposed a 30% 'security tax' on Colombian imports, escalating the dispute.
- Colombia responded by closing its land border to certain Ecuadorian products and suspending electricity interconnection.
- Ecuador increased oil transport tariffs for Colombian oil.
- The blockade involved about 250 trucks daily, moving USD$5.5 million and affecting 12,000 jobs.
- The reopening occurred before the Easter holiday, crucial for commercial activity.
- The blockade was lifted after peaceful protests and led to dialogue spaces.
- Demands include the elimination of tariffs and restrictions and stronger action from the Andean Community.
- The Colombian side was closed for 19 days, while the Ecuadorian side was closed for 10 days.