Bolivia clears roads after weeks of blockades and state of exception

More than 50 days of nationwide road blockades, led by unions, agrarian groups and supporters of former president Evo Morales, disrupted the supply of food, fuel, medicines and cash to millions of Bolivians. President Rodrigo Paz responded by declaring a 90‑day state of exception, deploying police and military forces to clear the barricades. Within three days the government announced that all major highways were reopened, restoring the flow of goods to La Paz, El Alto and other cities. The administration also called on the judiciary to prosecute those responsible, citing estimated damages of over 90 million bolivianos. Humanitarian assistance was delivered to 533 families in the La Paz department, including 30 tonnes of food provided with aid from Paraguay and Chile. Evo Morales accused the government of besieging Cochabamba, claiming 30‑hour power cuts left over 259 000 people without electricity, medicines and food. The Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights held a forum in Panama urging the protection of Bolivia’s representative democracy amid the “violent disorder.” Sixteen American states, including the United States and Argentina, issued a joint statement condemning the blockades and reaffirming support for Paz’s elected government. The police celebrated their 200‑year anniversary in a subdued ceremony, noting the recent security challenges.