Bolivia: Protesters block roads in central La Paz May 6

Event

Protesting truck drivers are using their vehicles to block roads, including the major thoroughfares of Avenida Ismael Montes and Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz, in central La Paz the morning of May 6. The action is causing significant transport disruptions in the center of the city. Police are likely to deploy to impacted sites. Violence is possible should security personnel attempt to forcibly remove the roadblocks.

Context

The truck drivers are protesting against the use of freight trains, rather than trucks, to transport goods from Bolivia to Chile's port of Arica. Freight train service had been temporarily suspended, allowing truck drivers to transport the goods, but has since been restored, causing some drivers to lose their jobs.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a precaution. Confirm business appointments in central La Paz May 6. Allow for additional travel time in the area.