Bolivia deploys troops against blockades over a decree its own government wants repealed
Bolivia's government deployed military and police units on Tuesday in the municipality of Yapacaní, in Santa Cruz department, ahead of announced road blockades called by farming organisations against the decree that raised the price of diesel for large consumers. Hours later, the deputy interior minister acknowledged that the same measure must be annulled.
Bolivia's government has sent military and police forces to the Yapacaní municipality in Santa Cruz department, in anticipation of road blockades called by farming organizations against a decree raising diesel prices. Deputy Interior Minister acknowledged the decree must be annulled. Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated that the deployment aims to prevent blockades, protect roads, and avoid clashes, as people can protest but not block roads in a state of emergency.
The route remained clear throughout the day. Deputy Minister Hernán Paredes met with leaders and agreed that the decree, issued on August 17, was causing issues and would be repealed. Large consumers pay 18 bolivianos per litre of diesel, an 83.7% increase from the 9.80 for public transport and small consumers. Producers in Yapacaní claim supplies have dropped by half.
At least ten organizations are defying the state of emergency, including mining cooperatives, transport workers, market traders, and coca growers.
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