Bolivia: Protests are likely to continue in Santa Cruz through early January; protests probable in other areas of the country /update 1

Event

Protests are likely to continue in the Santa Cruz Department through early January following the detention of Santa Cruz Governor Luis Fernando Camacho by national authorities on Dec. 28. Camacho is also one of the main national opposition leaders. Demonstrations in other parts of Bolivia, including the Cochabamba Department, and La Paz, are possible.

Protests broke out in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the department's capital, shortly after Camacho was detained. Demonstrators temporarily blocked access to the Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) and El Trompillo Airport (SRZ), burned the offices of the Attorney General's Office, and clashed with police along several roads. Protests in Santa Cruz de la Sierra are likely to continue near government offices and major roads.

Additionally, Camacho supporters have built roadblocks in several locations throughout the Santa Cruz Department, including Montero, Portachuelo, San Ignacio de Velasco, and Ascension de Guarayos, blocking most highways connecting Santa Cruz with nearby departments; further protests are possible in other towns and roads, including those that connect to the Brazilian border.

Protests were also reported in the city of Cochabamba, where activists partially burned the Attorney General's office. Further demonstrations in Cochabamba are possible, as they are in La Paz and other major cities. National opposition leaders have called for the population to mobilize and will likely plan nationwide rallies in the coming days.

Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in the Santa Cruz department in the coming days. Clashes between demonstrators and police have occurred and are likely to continue; authorities are likely to use tear gas and detain demonstrators. Acts of violence against public and private property are likely, including the burning of government offices and vehicles. While these are most likely to occur in Santa Cruz, they cannot be ruled out in Cochabamba, La Paz, and other cities in Bolivia.

Context

Camacho was detained in relation to the events of 2019, in which then-President Evo Morales was removed from office after the controversial presidential election. Camacho was one of the leaders of the opposition protests that broke out following reports of electoral fraud. The protests eventually forced police and military leaders to remove Morales from office.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Bolivia. Reconfirm the status of road routes before departure. Do not drive passed protest roadblocks; wait for the police to clear them. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.