Bolivia: Indefinite protest underway at entrance of Viru Viru International Airport, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sept. 7

Event

Protesters launched an indefinite demonstration near the entrance of Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Aug. 7. While the demonstration slows access to the airport, protest leaders have said that they will allow people seeking to enter VVI to pass through.

The demonstrators are demanding that the government allow them to make early withdrawals from their pension accounts. However, they have threatened to adopt more disruptive means if the government does not meet their demands, and access to VVI may become limited or cut off if protesters attempt to block the entrance to the airport. Clashes are possible, especially if the protesters attempt to block access to VVI or if police attempt to forcibly disperse them.

Advice

Allow for additional travel time to and from VVI. Avoid the protest as a precaution. Seek alternative routes that do not pass by the demonstration.