Bolivia road blockades end after seven weeks amid political crisis

Bolivia is witnessing the slow dismantling of road blockades that have paralyzed the country for over seven weeks, signaling a potential de-escalation of the ongoing crisis. The move follows President Rodrigo Paz's declaration of a state of exception aimed at restoring order and ending the widespread protests.

Former President Evo Morales announced on Monday the temporary lifting of the last remaining active road blockades. This decision comes after weeks of demonstrations by unions, indigenous groups, and coca growers demanding Paz's resignation amid the nation's most severe economic downturn in 40 years. The state of exception, decreed by the center-right president, has begun to normalize supply chains across the country.

President Paz has accused Morales, who led Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, of orchestrating the protest movement. The demonstrations have led to significant disruptions and economic hardship. With the blockades easing, the focus shifts to addressing the underlying economic grievances and political tensions that fueled the unrest.

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The last blockades are being lifted.