Bolivia imposes early morning crackdown on roadblocks near La Paz

Bolivia Deploys Military, Police to Clear Protesters Outside La Paz

A large-scale operation was carried out in La Paz, Bolivia, on Saturday as approximately 3,500 soldiers and police were deployed to clear protesters blocking roadways. The protesters, who have been demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, clashed with military and law enforcement personnel outside the city.

According to reports, around 57 people were arrested during the operation. The government has stated that the aim was to create a “humanitarian corridor” to ensure the free flow of supplies to hospitals in La Paz.

The protests, which began as part of nationwide antigovernment demonstrations, have been organized by various groups including miners, schoolteachers, Indigenous communities, and unions. They are largely driven by concerns over the government’s handling of an economic crisis that has severely impacted Bolivia.

Bolivia is currently experiencing a severe economic downturn, with its foreign currency reserves dwindling and exports, particularly natural gas, slowing down. The country had previously relied heavily on natural gas exports to power its economy, but supplies have decreased significantly since 2022.

President Paz’s election in October marked the end of nearly two decades of rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS), and some protesters are demanding his resignation. However, the government has blamed the demonstrations for disrupting key supplies to cities like La Paz.

Earlier this week, President Paz expressed gratitude to Argentine President Javier Milei for delivering humanitarian assistance to Bolivia. Milei responded by condemning the protesters as anti-democratic.

Source: Al Jazeera