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Bolivian President Declares State of Emergency to Clear Road Blockades
Developing
In Short: Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency to clear road blockades, deploying military forces to restore order and address shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Road blockades have caused significant shortages in Bolivia, leading to a halt in the economy and at least 14 deaths between May 1 and June 15, according to the country’s ombudsman’s office.
In an address to the nation, Paz announced the implementation of the State of Exception, stating that the move would allow the military and police to restore order.
Paz had previously considered this a last resort, only after exhausting dialogue and identifying those using violence to destabilize the country.
The United States has offered emergency assistance to help those facing acute shortages due to the illegal roadblocks, according to a State Department spokesperson.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the economy to a halt over the past 50 days, with at least 14 killed between May 1 and June 15, according to…
- “I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads,” Paz said in an address to the nation.
- The president said the move clears the way for the military and police to restore order.
- Last month, Paz signed a law allowing military forces to intervene in internal conflicts, though he previously said declaring a state of emergency would be a last option if dialogue fails.
- “After exhausting all dialogue, after reaching agreements with those who had legitimate demands, and clearly identifying those who used violence to try and destabilize Bolivia, we have made the decision to enact a…
- “The Secretary noted the United States is ramping up emergency assistance and logistics operations support in Bolivia to help those facing acute food and medical shortages due to illegal roadblocks intended to…
- A resident in La Paz, Bolivia, David Pacheco, told Reuters he supports the state of emergency declaration.
- “For me, it’s a good measure because many of us in the city of La Paz have suffered from hunger, from a lack of food, and from the high prices of necessities. The government has done well. President Rodrigo Paz did…
Sources
- CNNlink