Bolivia: Shortages reported as activists maintain protests, blockades in several departments as of Jan. 27 /update 2

Shortages are being reported as supporters of former president Evo Morales affiliated with the National Confederation of Peasant Workers of Bolivia (Confederacion Sindical Unica de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia, CSUTCB) are continuing their campaign of blocking thoroughfares in parts of the country as of Jan. 27. In La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi there have been reports of shortages of certain food products. Authorities said they will take contingency measures to transport essential goods in the coming days as dozens of freight trucks remain unable to pass through roadblocks. Clashes have also occurred during blockades, with at least two protesters killed and 23 police officers injured since the blockades started on Jan. 22.

The blockades are occurring primarily in the Cochabamba and Santa Cruz Departments; however, similar protests could occur in other parts of Bolivia. Protesters have been blocking several roads, including the Cochabamba-Santa Cruz Highway and the Cochabamba-Oruro Highway near Parotani. The purpose of the action is to demand the resignation of several magistrates.

Heightened security is likely around protest sites; activists could continue to disrupt traffic along key thoroughfares through at least late January. Significant ground transport disruptions are probable in affected areas. The roadblocks may worsen the shortage of essential goods should the protest action become protracted. Further clashes between demonstrators and police are possible.