Bolivia: Civil society group to launch general strike in Santa Cruz Department Oct. 22

Event

Members of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee (Comite Pro Santa Cruz) plan to launch an indefinite strike in Santa Cruz Department beginning Oct. 22. Activists stated that they would block highways in the department. Street demonstrations are also likely, especially in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The purpose of the action is to demand that a national census be taken earlier than the government's current plan for a census in 2024.

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

Context

The Pro Santa Cruz Committee, as well as the government of the Santa Cruz Department and other regional entities, believe the delay in the national census is detrimental to the region. The census was originally scheduled for November 2022 and is currently planned for mid-2024.

Advice

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