The Bolivian government announced on Tuesday that it has successfully cleared all protest roadblocks that had been paralyzing the nation for weeks. The government deployed the army to remove the roadblocks, which had caused severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and fuel in several cities.
State of Emergency Declared
President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday, authorizing the deployment of the army and the outlawing of demonstrations. This measure also allowed security forces to clear the roadblocks, which peaked at around 100.
Government and International Support
Public Works Minister Mauricio Zamora confirmed on X that 'Our roads have been cleared.' The US State Department, along with 15 Latin American countries, expressed support for the Bolivian government, urging dialogue and negotiation within the constitutional framework.
Accusations and Denials
Paz's government has accused former socialist president Evo Morales of fomenting the unrest. Morales, who is in hiding in Chapare, denies the charges and claims that this is only a temporary pause in the protests.
Background of the Protests
The protests, which began in early May, were driven by workers and Indigenous communities demanding President Paz's resignation amid Bolivia's worst economic crisis in decades. The roadblocks had severely impacted the nation's supply chains and daily life.
