Security Info - International SOS Security Information

Situation Update Bolivia

Bolivia 04/30/2001

Confrontations Continue

The Bolivian government is supposed to meet today with various groups of protesters, including angry coca-growers about the recent bout of civil unrest and demonstrations. Government officials opened discussions Saturday with the groups. The country has been hard hit by the protests and strikes, including the recent transit workers strike. The coca growers are demanding an end to government eradication programs. Coca growers say a US-backed crop eradication program is robbing them of their livelihood, forcing them into hunger and poverty.

The Bolivian government opened negotiations this weekend with the angry groups. The government would like the talks to be short today as President Hugo Banzer is scheduled to be in Washington DC for meetings with resident Bush. Seven Bolivian lawmakers went on a hunger strike in an effort to get the government to open a dialog with the protestors. The legislators are also demanding a stop to the excessive force used by police when they broke up the demonstrations of the growers, who arrived in La Paz on Monday to air their demands after a 15-day march from their native Chapare region.

SOS Comment

While there has not been anybody killed since last Tuesday, the situation remains volatile and tense. As these rallies, strikes and marches are expected to continue for the time being, SOS members are strongly urged to avoid all large concentrations of people. All demonstrations should be avoided because security personnel frequently use force to calm and disperse the crowds. The main cities like La Paz and Cochabamba are the most likely to be affected. Members should expect major delays when traveling in these cities and may want to postpone travel until the situation normalizes.