Bolivia: Activists and residents to protest in Villa El Carmen, Villa Fatima, and Periferica neighborhoods of La Paz Aug. 30

Event

Activists and residents plan to stage protests and erect roadblocks in La Paz's Villa El Carmen, Villa Fatima, and Periferica neighborhoods Aug. 30. The purpose of the demonstrations is to demand that the government resolve a dispute related to the operation of a coca leaf market in the Villa El Carmen area that has prompted numerous protests and clashes in the city in recent weeks. Various unions, transport workers, merchants, and residents plan to block roads in the three neighborhoods from 08:00.

Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely in the three neighborhoods of northeastern La Paz amid the protest activity; the most significant disruptions will probably affect the vicinity of the controversial coca leaf market, including Avenida de las Americas/Avenida Romiro Castillo. Activists will likely also gather outside of the offices of the Departmental Association of Coca Leaf Growers (Asociacion Departamental de Productores de Coca, ADEPCOCA) on Calle Arapata in the Villa Fatima area.

Advice

Avoid the protest-affected areas of northeastern La Paz Aug. 30. Allow additional time for travel and consider taking alternative routes to circumvent related disruptions. If violence breaks out, leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.