Stranded truckers in Bolivia cry for help amid critical shortages

Thousands of Bolivian truckers are trapped in a critical situation, stranded for over a month by road blockades that are part of a protest demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation. More than 5,000 heavy-duty truck drivers, who transport export and import goods, have been stuck since early May.

The situation is particularly dire in Sayari, a key point on the road between Cochabamba and Oruro, located at over 4,000 meters altitude with sub-zero winter temperatures. Drivers report inhumane conditions, lacking medicine and food, and feel "kidnapped by the blockers." Some are forced to boil river water for consumption to avoid illness. Diabetic drivers are struggling to access necessary medication, with some abandoning their trucks to seek help in Cochabamba.

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Our conditions are inhumane, we have no medicine, no food. We are kidnapped by the blockers.

Despite a promised temporary opening for humanitarian reasons, protesters have maintained a hostile stance and blocked all contact. In response, transport companies organized a protest caravan in Cochabamba, with dozens of trucks parading to the regional government's headquarters. They are demanding the release of their stranded colleagues and the clearing of routes to resume work. The prolonged conflict has led to accumulated fines for delayed shipments and ongoing salary payments for drivers stuck on the road.

Humanitarian organizations, including the Ombudsman's Office, the Red Cross, and Caritas, have initiated a convoy to deliver food and medicine to the trapped truckers.

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The sector demands bringing our colleagues stranded in places like Sayari and clearing the routes so they can work.