Bolivia transport sector reports extortion at road blockades

Leaders of the Confederation of Drivers and the Heavy Transport union said transporters are being forced to pay irregular fees at several road blockades in Bolivia. The drivers reported charges of 300‑600 bolivianos per vehicle, or a flat 50 bolivianos, collected by blockade groups between Tambillo and Laja and on the La Paz‑Laja‑Viacha corridor. Representatives of the Catholic Church and human‑rights organizations witnessed the payments, which the unions describe as "extortion" that undermines the right to work.

The blockades have lasted about 50 days, prompted by radical groups demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation, and have caused at least 14 deaths, shortages of food, medicine and fuel, and significant economic losses. The government has called for dialogue with the Central Workers' Union (COB) and other parties to end the blockades and restore free transit.