Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who have been leading anti-government protests marked by road blockages since mid-October, announced a 72-hour truce on Wednesday “for humanitarian reasons”.
“We are taking a break (…) for humanitarian reasons”declared Humberto Claros, general secretary of the Single Trade Union Confederation of Peasant Workers of Bolivia, on Kawsachun Coca radio, linked to the ex-president (2006-2019).
The leader reported “four dead” et “at least 100 injured” among the demonstrators during clashes with the police.
The government, however, denied any death and the ombudsman’s office told AFP that it had not received “no relation” reporting deaths.
The latest report from the authorities is 127 injured, including 92 police officers, as well as around 180 arrests.
The announcement of this truce comes as the police have managed to unblock several crucial axes in recent days.
“We have succeeded in reducing the blockages to their minimum expression”welcomed Wednesday the Minister of the Interior, Eduardo Del Castillo, during a press conference.
According to the Bolivian highways administration, no blockages remained in the country on Wednesday evening, while at the height of the crisis up to 24 blockages had been reported, mainly in the department of Cochabamba (center), stronghold politics of Evo Morales.
On Friday, the ex-president called for a truce in the blockades and announced he would begin a hunger strike to press for dialogue with the government of President Luis Arce.
Protesters began blocking roads on October 14 to denounce a “judicial persecution” of their leader, targeted in an investigation for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl. They are now also demanding the resignation of President Arce, whom they accuse of being responsible for the economic crisis in the country.
Tensions worsened on Friday when 200 soldiers were “taken hostage” in three barracks by supporters of Mr. Morales, in the department of Cochabamba, according to the authorities.
Evo Morales and Luis Arce are competing for control of the left and the nomination for the 2025 presidential election, in which Mr. Morales, 65, wants to run despite a court decision disqualifying him.
