Claudia Blum, in a letter to President Ivan Duque, did not specify the reasons for her departure. “I am sure that… the country will continue on the path of sustainable development, social and economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic, and consolidation of the consensus that confirms the unity and strength of our nation,” she wrote. Local media and opposition parties said Blum’s resignation was inevitable given the reputational damage caused by a police clampdown condemned by the UN, United States, European Union and international rights groups. Clashes between police and protesters have resulted in at least 42 deaths — including one police officer — and over 1,500 injuries to date, according to official figures.