Dozens of Peruvian citizens remain trapped in La Paz and on border routes in Bolivia after six consecutive days of blockades driven by the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB). The crisis coincided with the high season of tourism to the Uyuni salt flats, one of the most visited destinations in the highland country, leaving Peruvian travelers without safe options to return to the national territory.
Given the total suspension of interdepartmental transportation, several Peruvian tourists have chosen to continue the journey on foot, exposing themselves to risks in rural and conflict areas. According to testimonies collected, there is great tension and violence on the border, with mobilized groups, such as the so-called Red Ponchos who would be attacking buses and vehicles that try to advance.
“I just arrived, I have walked since 2 in the morning. From where the car left us to Desaguadero we arrived at more or less 8 in the morning. The car made us go around, the red ponchos were everywhere, they have stoned us, the strike is strong,” said a citizen in La Paz.
Those affected have requested support from the Peruvian authorities to facilitate their safe return, while the Desaguadero border crossing remains intermittently interrupted. Those stranded denounce that there is no way to move within the highland country and that the lack of food, lodging and economic resources aggravates their situation.
The blockades have completely stopped heavy transportation and Bolivian foreign trade, directly affecting trade with Peru. The Bolivian Chamber of Transportation warned that the routes to Peruvian territory are disabled, which has generated losses estimated at more than 600 million dollars for Bolivia in the last six days.
The closure of roads to Peru and Chile It has interrupted not only the binational trade flow, but also the transit of passengers who traveled for tourism or work reasons. The new stoppage threatens to deepen the decline in trade, especially affecting small and medium-sized Peruvian companies that participate in these operations.
