Bolivia: Student protests set to continue in El Alto /update 3

Event

A protest movement by students in El Alto (La Paz department), ongoing now for several weeks, is set to continue. Associated protests in cities elsewhere in the country are also likely, including the nearby city of La Paz where a march was held on Thursday, June 7. Significant traffic disruptions and a major police presence are likely in the vicinity of all demonstrations; clashes between protesters and security forces (notably in the event of roadblocks) are possible.

It should be noted that the city, located just to the west of La Paz, is home to El Alto International (LPB), the country’s main airport.

Context

The protests by students at the Public University of El Alto (Universidad Pública de El Alto; UPEA) intensified following the May 24 death of a student protestor killed during clashes with police on the UPEA campus. A general strike and associated roadblocks held in El Alto June 4-5 resulted in significant disruptions.

The student was killed on May 24 during a demonstration calling for an increased budget for UPEA. The protesters are now calling for talks with President Evo Morales and the presidents of the branches of parliament, as well as demanding the resignation of the ministers of government and economy.

Advice

Individuals in El Alto, and Bolivia more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the UPEA campus and all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations (notably LPB), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.