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

31/10/2024 11:36

        Bolivian President Luis Arce on Wednesday called for the end of costly highway blockades that have paralyzed parts of the South American country and fueled an increasingly volatile conflict with his main political rival.
        
        The economic costs of the blockades over 17 days run into over $1.7 billion, Arce said in a message to the nation.
        
        Arce also said 70 people, including 61 police officers, have been injured in the blockades, organized by supporters of former President Evo Morales.
        
        Arce said, "We demand the immediate lifting of all blockade points for the re-establishment of normalcy in our country," adding that the government will implement the necessary measures to safeguard Bolivians if protesters do not 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 who make up many of the demonstrators have clashed with security forces trying to clear the obstacles from the roads.
        Morales criticized Arce, an ally turned rival, for not seeking dialogue to solve the protests and holding him responsible for violence.