Bolivia: General strike continues in Santa Cruz Department as of Oct. 26 /update 2

Event

The indefinite general strike launched by the opposition-aligned Pro Santa Cruz Committee (Comite Pro Santa Cruz) continues to severely affect Santa Cruz Department as of Oct. 26. It is likely to cause major transport and business disruptions through at least Oct. 30.

While adherents of the strike are organizing protests and highway blockades throughout the department, transport workers opposed to the strike have set up roadblocks around Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the departmental capital, cutting it off from the rest of the department. Agricultural workers who are opposed to the strike have said they will join the transport workers beginning Oct. 26 in an effort to bring commercial activity in Santa Cruz de la Sierra to a halt.

Furthermore, the border between Santa Cruz Department and Brazil's Mato Grosso State remains closed as of Oct. 25 following earlier strike-related clashes near the border that left at least one person dead. The closure has affected business operations on both sides of the border.

Additional protests, such as roadblocks and rallies near border crossings, are likely during the labor action. Further transport and business disruptions are almost certain. A police presence is likely to be deployed at demonstration sites. Clashes are likely, especially if police try to disperse protesters and reopen blocked roads, or if supporters and opponents of the strike are allowed to come in proximity to each other.

Context

The purpose of the strike is to demand that a national census be taken earlier than the government's current plan for a census in mid-2024; 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.

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. Reconfirm the status of border crossings before departure.