Roadblocks Isolate Caribbean Coast, Halt Fruit Exports, and Threaten Thousands of Jobs

The Magdalena and La Guajira Banana Growers Association (Asbama) has raised alarms over ongoing roadblocks in Zona Bananera, a key banana-producing region in Colombia, which have paralyzed exports, caused severe financial losses, and put thousands of jobs at risk.

Protesters—including local farmers, coffee growers, and community leaders from five villages in the upper Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—have cut off access to the Caribbean Coast via the Troncal de Oriente (Eastern Trunk Road) in the municipality of Ciénaga. Their demonstrations highlight years of government inaction on critical infrastructure projects and public service improvements.

Now in its third day, the blockade has halted the transport of banana containers to and from ports, compromising the fruit’s quality and shelf life while inflicting heavy economic damage, according to Asbama. The disruptions have also forced production slowdowns, as many workers cannot reach farms and processing facilities.

Beyond immediate export losses, Asbama warns that rising production costs due to the protests could weaken Colombia’s competitiveness in the global banana market. The association has urged national, departmental, and municipal authorities to intervene, restore public order, and ensure safe transit in the region.

The prolonged standoff underscores growing tensions over unmet development promises, with protesters demanding urgent action while exporters face mounting financial strain.