Bolivia president calls for end of blockades, says costs pass $1.7 billion


  • World
  • Thursday, 31 Oct 2024

Supporters of Bolivia's former President Evo Morales attend a protest against the government, amid rising political tensions between a faction around Morales and the government of his former ally President Luis Arce, in Parotani, Bolivia October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Claudia Morales

LA PAZ (Reuters) -Bolivian president on Wednesday called for the end of costly highway blockades that have paralyzed parts of the country and fueled an increasingly volatile conflict with his main political rival.

The blockades' economic costs over 17 days total over $1.7 billion, President Luis Arce said in a message to the nation.

According to the president, 70 people, including 61 police officers, have also been injured in the blockades, organized by supporters of former leader Evo Morales.

"We demand the immediate lifting of all blockade points for the re-establishment of normalcy in our country," Arce said, adding that the government will implement the necessary measures to safeguard Bolivians if protesters don't follow that request.

Arce's conference is his latest attempt to curb the growing tensions in the country, as Morales supporters have blocked key highways and prevented the delivery of food and fuel, particularly in the center of the country, the Cochabamba tropics.

Coca growers, peasants and miners, the demonstrator's bulk, have also clashed with security forces that were trying to clear the obstacles from the roads.

Morales told Reuters on Monday that Arce's government was behind an alleged gun attack on his convoy, lashing out at what he called a "dark plot to destroy" him.

Arce's government denied the accusations that it had led an attack on Morales, calling it "theater" and claiming that the former leader's convoy had instead fired on special anti-narcotics police who were carrying out a patrol.

(Reporting by Daniel Ramos and Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

EU moves to reassure Ukraine of 'unwavering support' after Trump win
South Africa partially reopens border after Mozambique vote sparks concern
UK's Queen Camilla to miss Remembrance Day events due to chest infection
Bridge offers unique view of Rome's Trevi fountain during conservation work
New insurgent group kills 15 in northwest Nigeria, residents say
Soccer-German politician resigns after sex doll post with Nazi logo
Ukrainian drones hit Russian weapons factory, Kyiv source says
Polish PM to meet French, UK, NATO leaders to discuss Ukraine
Spain's flood disaster was its worst in recent history. Here's what went wrong
Swiss village threatened by vast rockslide must be evacuated again

Others Also Read