Bolivia: Civil society launch general strike in Santa Cruz Department Oct. 22 /update 1

Event

Protests and clashes have been reported in several locations in Santa Cruz Department, Oct. 22 coinciding with an ongoing strike. One person died earlier Oct. 22 in violent demonstrations close to the Brazilian border at the International Friendship Bridge. This prompted local authorities to close the border crossing into Brazil's Mato Grosso State as a security measure. It is not known how long the border will remain closed.

Members of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee (Comite Pro Santa Cruz) had launched an indefinite strike in Santa Cruz Oct. 22. The purpose of the action is to demand that a national census be taken earlier than the government's current plan for a census in 2024.

Further protests, including roadblocks and actions near border crossings, are likely during the action. Further transport and business disruptions are likely. Police may deploy to demonstration sites. Clashes cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen blocked roads. Counterprotests are also likely. The threat of violence will increase if counterprotesters gather in proximity to striking protesters.

Context

The Pro Santa Cruz Committee, as well as the government of the Santa Cruz Department and other regional entities, believe the delay in the national census is detrimental to the region. The census was originally scheduled for November 2022 and is currently planned for mid-2024.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional transport time. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to clear them instead. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Reconfirm the status of border crossings before departure.