Bolivia: Protesting farmers blocking roads in Santa Cruz Department April 6

Event

Farmers protesting regulations requiring quotas for sugar exports are blocking roads in Santa Cruz Department April 6, largely cutting off ground transport between Santa Cruz and neighboring departments. The protests are largely centered in El Torno, where roads leading to Cochabamba Department have been blocked, as well as in Montero, where demonstrators are blocking roads north of the departmental capital Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Farmers have also blocked the Puente Puesto Mendez along the F37 motorway and the Puente de la Amistad on the F4.

Significant ground transport disruptions are likely in much of Santa Cruz Department. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out, especially if authorities attempt to forcibly disperse demonstrators and reopen roads.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Seek alternative routes that bypass the protests. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead.