Bolivia faces a crisis due to blockades while Colombia defines its political future
Bolivia is going through a critical situation due to the constant road blockades affecting the country. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has pointed out that much of this social and political crisis is due to citizens' deep distrust in the justice system. Unfortunately, the conflict has already had tragic consequences, such as the death of a child who could not receive medical attention in time due to the closed routes.
The Bolivian economy is suffering the direct consequences of these pressure measures. In the department of Santa Cruz, local leaders report that the price of diesel has risen alarmingly, reaching up to 30 bolivianos per liter in some provinces. Road restrictions make normal fuel supply difficult, affecting both transportation and food production.
The situation is equally worrying in the department of Pando, which is in a state of emergency. Local authorities warn that the lack of fuel could soon interrupt basic services for the population. For this reason, Governor Gabriela de Paiva is making urgent arrangements with the central government to allow the exceptional entry of diesel into the region.
The blockades are also causing serious humanitarian difficulties for the most vulnerable people. Recently, the story of a blind couple forced to walk along the highway carrying their child and their luggage went viral. With no transportation available, the family had to guide themselves solely with their canes to move through the blocked sections, an event that has sparked much indignation.
Despite the problems, the mobilized sectors maintain their firm stance. The Bolivian Workers' Center (COB) has decided to continue the protests and has refused to participate in the dialogue called by the Catholic Church. Given this situation, Representative Claros criticized the protesters' attitude and asked the National Government to declare a state of exception to guarantee free movement in the country.
In some areas, the exhaustion of the population has led citizens to act on their own. In the town of Yotala, a group of residents decided to remove stones and branches from the road to clear the route themselves. On the other hand, in Viacha, the police arrested three people suspected of the death of a taxi driver; officers had to rescue the detainees from an angry crowd that was trying to attack them.
Finally, in the international arena, Colombia prepares for a decisive second round of elections. Candidates Abelardo de la Espriella, representing the right, and Iván Cepeda, from the left, will face each other on June 21. Colombian voters must choose between very different visions of the economy, security, and peace, after an election campaign marked by polarization and the presence of candidates with opposing proposals.