The hundreds of Bolivian carriers who are stranded on the border with Peru, due to protests over the crisis in the neighboring country, they feel “hostages” as they have been waiting for at least 50 days for a solution so that they can cross over to the Bolivian side and they are concerned about the economic impact.
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“We are practically captives of the other side, the blockers practically hold them hostage or as a kind of trophy because they say that If they let us through, they’re going to say that everything is normal at the border.”, the president of heavy transport in La Paz, Ramiro Sullcani, told EFE.
The representative maintained that the sector is “alarmed” by this situation that is already becoming unsustainable and that it is necessary for both governments to find a solution, for which reason he asked the Bolivian Executive to even go to international organizations so that they can “rescue” them. from the border
Sullcani pointed out that in the Desaguadero border sector there are at least 800 trucks stranded due to the protests in Peru and that some of the drivers suffer from basic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure that need to be treated.
In addition, he stressed that they are waiting to find out if there will be a “truce” so that drivers can pass to the Bolivian side and that from there they can complete the migration and customs procedures of Peru, but that apparently the Peruvian authorities do not accept this proposal.
Sullcani expressed his annoyance with the Bolivian government, which is unable to provide a solution to a situation that is estimated to be causing an economic impact of $800,000 or more.
“I think we are going to have to take measures, we have to do something,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bolivian government sent medical brigades to Desaguadero this week to attend to the stranded carriers.
For his part, the Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Benjamín Blanco, stressed last week that they are waiting to find out if there will be a “truce” for the stranded trucks to enter Bolivia, but that it depends on the Peruvian authorities.
He added that there is an affectation of approximately five million dollars to exports.
Since January 4, sectors that are against the dismissal of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo have been holding demonstrations in rejection of President Dina Boluarte, with blockades at different points, which has forced the closure of the border with Bolivia in areas from Yunguyo and Desaguadero.
Several of the stranded trucks were destined for the Peruvian port of Ilo for the delivery of merchandise, but in the face of protests they were unable to take or pick it up.
In January, Bolivia and Chile agreed to work on two border crossings to serve as an alternative to heavy transport that has not been able to cross Desaguadero.
