Colombia has announced plans to close borders, enforce curfews, and place bans on the sale of alcohol in an attempt to contain mass protests, amid sweeping unrest in South America.

Tens of thousands are expected to join protests today against the rightwing government of Iván Duque, whose popularity has fallen since taking office last year.

Director of Colombia Risk Analysis, Sergio Guzmán, says the government is worried because the people and organizations that have come out in support of the protest are more united than ever before.  

 “It’s not only the labour unions, or the students, or indigenous people; it’s all of them,” Mr Guzman said.