A wave of protests is set to sweep across La Paz this week, with various sectors demanding different reforms and changes. A faction of the Ponchos Rojos, a powerful peasant union, will lead the charge with over 20 roadblocks planned on major routes connecting La Paz and El Alto to other parts of the country. Health workers, university teachers, trade unions and heavy transport workers will also join the demonstrations.
Roadblocks and Demands: David Mamani, executive secretary of the Tupac Katari Federation of Peasant Workers of La Paz, informed ANF that at least 15 roadblocks will be set up on key highways. The protesters are demanding the resignation of President Luis Arce and Vice President David Choquehuanca.
“Starting from midnight this Monday, September 16, we will block the main roads from El Alto to Copacabana, Achacachi, Escoma, Sorata, and Desaguadero, which is an international road. Another roadblock will be placed on the road to Viacha,” explained Mamani.
Background of the Protest: This protest movement emerged after the Ponchos Rojos faction, led by Mamani, attempted to reclaim their union headquarters in the San Pedro area of La Paz on Monday, September 2. However, the headquarters was guarded by police, preventing their entry.
The police response was violent, using excessive tear gas and rubber bullets, which resulted in two injuries. The protesters then decided to block roads indefinitely.
Additional Roadblocks and Locations: Mamani also mentioned that another roadblock will be set up on the road to Oruro, though its exact location has not been specified. In El Alto, the Federation of Merchants will position themselves on Juan Pablo II Avenue, along with the routes to Laja, San Roque, and Ex Parada 8.
“We will be at various locations. In La Paz, we plan to close roads leading to Río Abajo, Palca, and the entrance to Caranavi, which is a key route connecting other regions of the country,” he noted.
Support from Other Groups : The Ponchos Rojos from the Omasuyos province have shown their support for the mobilization through an official directive, announcing that they will block four routes within their jurisdiction: Cruce Huarina, Sector Lago and Huanta; Cuartel Kala Chaka and Sector Mallku; Warisata, Corpaputo road to Cruce Peñas; and Cruce Umacha and Subfederación Ancoraimes.
Allies and Upcoming Actions: Last week, this movement received backing from the merchants of El Alto, led by Toño Siñani, and heavy transport workers from La Paz, who also plan to join the protests. Merchants will march to the city center of La Paz, while heavy transport truckers will block roads, though their exact locations are yet to be specified.
Evo Morales and the MAS March: Former president Evo Morales confirmed a planned march from Caracollo to La Paz, set for Tuesday. The objective is to defend the political party’s legitimacy and urge the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to recognize its national leadership, elected in October 2023.
“Yes, we will defend it; it’s decided. They will not dismantle MAS-IPSP; it’s impossible, especially not Evo’s candidacy,” he declared, once again dismissing the 2016 national referendum that he himself had championed, which had barred any further re-election of Evo Morales after his four consecutive terms as president.
Morales mentioned that various sectors from all nine departments are prepared and will converge at the designated point to reach La Paz.
Other Protests and Mobilizations: The Interinstitutional Committee of La Paz, consisting of teachers, merchants, retirees, and doctors, is organizing a national march on Tuesday to protest the economic crisis affecting the country.
Additionally, the Federation of Teachers of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (Fedsidumsa) has called for a march on the same day. The gathering will take place in front of the academic institution starting at 10:00. The demonstration will oppose the forced retirement law 035 and advocate for environmental protection.
Police Response and Preparedness: In response to these planned mobilizations, Edgar Cortez, the departmental commander of the La Paz Police, stated that they will uphold the Constitution and ensure free movement. The police will act according to established protocols in case of public disorder.
“We will follow the procedural manual for public disorder situations. The Bolivian Police will be present and on alert for any situation. We have officers deployed in various sectors,” he explained.
