Bolivia: Activists hold protests, blockades causing disruptions nationwide Jan. 22

Protests and blockades are being reported in several parts of Bolivia on Jan. 22, coinciding with the Day of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. The activists are supporters of former president Evo Morales and affiliated with the Single Union Confederation of Peasant Workers of Bolivia (Confederacion Sindical Unica de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia, CSUTCB). Participants are blocking parts of National Highway 4 between Cochabamba and Oruro, as well as between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Due to disruptions, all interprovincial bus services departing from Cochabamba have been canceled, as well as those departing from Santa Cruz to western parts of Bolivia. In La Paz, bus services to eastern parts of Bolivia have also been suspended.

Heightened security measures are likely around blockade sites; protesters are likely to disrupt other key highways and main roads through Jan. 22. Significant ground transport disruptions are probable in affected areas. The roadblocks may also lead to a shortage of essential goods. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible, especially if the latter attempts to forcibly disperse participants and reopen roads.