Bolivia: Protesters clash with security forces in K'ara 'K'ara July 4

Event

Residents and workers from Cochabamba's K'ara 'K'ara protested against the lack of adequate necessities and job losses on Saturday, July 4, resulting in clashes with security personnel. A blockade has reportedly been erected outside the entrance to the K'ara 'K'ara municipal landfill site, where some 300 workers are protesting. Security forces tried to breach the blockade on Saturday but were met with fierce resistance. At least two security personnel were injured in clashes that ensued, and several police vehicles were damaged after protesters threw projectiles. Protesters are also denouncing a lack of investment in safe and adequate measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and workers from the landfill site fear they are at greater risk of transmitting the disease.

Further unrest is likely over the near term.

Context

Since June, workers from the Colima waste company have blocked access to the K'ara 'K'ara municipal landfill site to protests job losses, among other issues.

The Cochabamba region is reportedly the third most affected region in Bolivia by COVID-19, after Santa Cruz (east) and Beni (northeast). 

Advice

Individuals in Cochabamba are advised to monitor developments, anticipate overland disruption in the vicinity of the protests, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.