Bolivia: Pro-government activists to stage nationwide protests March 22

Event

The Pacto de Unidad organization, made up of several social movements, has called for nationwide protests in Bolivia March 22. The action is in support of President Luis Arce and the recent arrests of former informer interim President Jeanine Anez and former ministers of her cabinet, as well as to demand justice for the victims of the alleged 2019 coup. Organizers have not announced the specific times and locations of the protests, except that they will be carried out across all nine departmental capitals. Likely gathering points include government buildings, central squares, and major thoroughfares.

Police will likely deploy to monitor all large protests. Counterdemonstrations by opposition activists and regional civic committees that have shown support for Anez are possible. Isolated clashes between rival groups of activists or police and protesters cannot be ruled out. The protests are likely to cause localized traffic disruptions in the regional capitals.

Context

The demonstrations follow anti-government protests in the country, particularly in Santa Cruz March 15, denouncing Anez's arrest. The Attorney General's Office issued an arrest warrant March 12 against Anez and several of her former ministers who have been accused of terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy; Anez is sentenced to four months pre-trial detention in La Paz. The arrests are linked to the 2019 election crisis, which ultimately saw then-President Evo Morales resign in November 2019 following days of violent unrest and calls from the military to resign. Supporters of Morales' Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS) and Pacto de Unidad describe the events that led to Morales's resignation as a coup. However, Anez and other members of the opposition have denounced her arrest as an act of political persecution.

Advice

Avoid all protests and heed the directives of the authorities. Monitor local media for updates on the status of roads as protest locations may not be announced in advance. Exit the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Plan accordingly for potential disruptions to ground travel March 22, especially in departmental capital cities.