OAS Condemns Bolivia Road Blockades, Backs Government

The Organization of American States (OAS) has strongly condemned the road blockades that have paralyzed Bolivia for seven weeks, demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, speaking from Panama, declared unequivocal support for Bolivia's constitutionally elected government.

"We cannot support any type of breach of the constitutional order," Ramdin stated, emphasizing that the OAS condemns "all interruptions and road closures." He described the blockades as inhumane, preventing critical services like healthcare and food from reaching the population, and labeled them a crime rather than a legitimate protest.

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From the Permanent Council we support the constitutionally elected government of Bolivia, simply because we cannot support any type of breach of the constitutional order.

These protests, initiated by peasant sectors and supporters of former President Evo Morales, have had severe consequences. They have caused widespread shortages of food, fuel, and medical oxygen in several cities. Tragically, at least 16 people have died, with 13 attributed to the lack of timely medical attention due to the blockades. The economic impact is staggering, with estimated losses reaching $3 billion.

In response to the escalating crisis, Bolivian police and military forces have begun deploying to clear key highways connecting the country's west and center. These efforts have proceeded without major incident, as many blockade points were found to be unstaffed, allowing authorities to simply remove the materials used to obstruct the roads. The OAS plans to send a mission to Bolivia to assess the situation and recommend further measures.

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I know that the government is currently dealing with it, but it is not humane to close roads in such a way that services, such as health, food, and others, cannot reach the population. That is not a demonstration, it is a crime.