Bolivia's government targets San Matías border security challenges

Bolivia's government is prioritizing security in the San Matías border region, acknowledging it as a major challenge. The Ministry of Defense has committed to bolstering inter-institutional cooperation to control border crossings and improve safety for residents.

Minister of Defense Ernesto Justiniano Urenda stated that the armed forces are supporting the Bolivian police in San Matías due to the "serious problems in terms of security" the area presents. He emphasized that security is a top priority and must be integrated into coordination agendas with regional governments, given their responsibilities under the autonomous system.

The government plans to strengthen border security through a coordinated approach involving all levels of the state. A significant initiative involves forming Departmental Security Councils, to be headed by governors, to align actions between national and regional authorities, the police, and other citizen security institutions.

Furthermore, the strategy includes enhancing operational capabilities in border areas by providing land for police infrastructure, constructing facilities, and supplying vehicles and equipment. Justiniano noted that border zones facing greater economic and social difficulties are also more susceptible to criminal activity, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and unified response. "We all have to work in coordination; that is the way to face a problem that truly affects us greatly as a country," he concluded.