Bolivia: Regional activists plan to protest in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sept. 30

Event

Members of several regional organizations, including the Pro Santa Cruz Committee (Comite Pro Santa Cruz), plan to rally in Santa Cruz de la Sierra on Sept. 30. The purpose of the gathering is to demand that a national census be taken earlier than the government's current plan for a census in 2024. The demonstration is timed to coincide with a town council meeting that will take place concerning the issue; some activists have threatened to stage a department-wide strike depending on the outcome of the meeting.

Participants will assemble in front of the Christ the Redeemer Monument (Monumento Cristo Redentor) at the intersection of Avenida Cristobal de Mendoza and Avenida Cristo Redentor starting at 17:00. Several thousand people will probably take part in the demonstration. Heightened security, as well as localized transport and business disruptions, are likely.

Context

The Pro Santa Cruz Committee, as well as the government of the Santa Cruz department and other regional entities, believe the delaying of the national census, originally scheduled for November 2022 and now planned for mid-2024, is detrimental to the region, as they believe Santa Cruz deserves more resources. Regional leaders have already held protests in recent months, and may plan for a departmentwide general strike in the coming weeks.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sept. 30. Heed instructions from authorities.