Bolivia: Civil society group to hold 24-hour general strike in Beni Department Oct. 24

Event

Members of the Civic Committee of Beni (Comite Civico de Beni) will hold a 24-hour strike in Beni Department Oct. 24. Activists also plan to block highways in the department during the work stoppage. Street demonstrations are also possible. The purpose of the action is to express solidarity with a similar action in neighboring Santa Cruz Department and to demand that the government perform a national census earlier than currently planned 2024 date.

The strike and roadblocks will likely cause widespread transport and business disruptions throughout Beni Department. Police may deploy to demonstration sites. Clashes cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen blocked roads.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations in Beni Department. Do not attempt to drive through protester roadblocks; wait for police to clear them before proceeding. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Heed the instructions of security personnel.