Bolivia: Activists to hold a march in Santa Cruz de la Sierra Dec. 9

Event

Activists, including members of the Interinstitutional Committee of Santa Cruz (Comite Interinstitucional de Santa Cruz) and regional elected officials, plan to hold a march in Santa Cruz de la Sierra Dec. 9. Demonstrators intend to gather at the intersection of Avenida Busch and the Second Ring (Segundo Anillo), near the Autonomous University Gabriel Rene Moreno, starting at 17:00. From there, activists plan to march through the Justice Palace and the Attorney General's Office, and finish outside the Police Departmental Command. Participants intend to show support for the leaders of a recently-ended 36-day regional strike, in which Santa Cruz leaders demanded a national census be completed in 2023 and what they consider a fairer distribution of the national resources per department. Some of the strike leaders are being indicted by national prosecutors.

Thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, are likely to participate in the demonstration, which is likely to cause transport and business disruptions along its route. Heightened security is also likely near government offices and major roads. Violence cannot be discounted.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time and plan for alternative routes to reach destinations if operating in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Dec. 9. Depart the area at the fist sign of a confrontation.