Bolivia's government on Saturday (Jun 20) declared a nationwide state of emergency and deployed troops to clear dozens of roadblocks that have crippled the country for more than six weeks. The move comes after weeks of protests, strikes and highway blockades that have disrupted transport networks and triggered shortages of fuel, food and medicines across the country.<h2>President announces 90-day emergency measure</h2>In a televised address before dawn on Saturday, President Paz announced a 90-day emergency measure that allows the military to operate domestically and places restrictions on public demonstrations. He warned protestors that they would face "the full force of the law".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fifa-2026-japanese-men-win-hearts-for-cleaning-world-cup-stadiums-so-why-is-the-internet-furious-at-them-1781946883738">FIFA 2026: Japanese men win hearts for cleaning World Cup stadiums. So why is the internet furious at them?</a>Hours later, security forces began moving into some of the worst-affected areas. AFP reporters in El Alto, one of Bolivia's largest cities and a traditional centre of political mobilisation, witnessed convoys of soldiers, armed police and bulldozers clearing roads blocked with rubble, logs and debris.<h2>Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage: Paz</h2>In a social media post, Paz said, "Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage by blockades that prevent them from working, studying, receiving medical care, getting supplies and bringing food to their homes.""This state of emergency is not intended to take away normalcy, but to restore it," he added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">He dispuesto la aplicación del Estado de Excepción para liberar las carreteras del país. Los bolivianos no pueden seguir siendo rehenes de bloqueos que impiden trabajar, estudiar, recibir atención médica, abastecerse y llevar sustento a sus hogares. Este Estado de Excepción no…&mdash; Rodrigo Paz Pereira (@Rodrigo_PazP) <a href="https://x.com/Rodrigo_PazP/status/2068203669422473272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Some residents welcomed the operation after weeks of disruption. "I'm very happy," said Carla Butron, a 39-year-old shopkeeper. "Everything has been difficult here in El Alto during these 50-some-days -- work, free movement."The unrest represents the biggest challenge yet for Paz, whose election last year ended nearly two decades of socialist-led governments in Bolivia. Protesters accuse the conservative president of pursuing economic policies that have deepened hardship in a country already struggling with inflation, fuel shortages and slowing growth.<h2>Protesters demand President Paz step down</h2>The government says the prolonged protests have cost the economy billions of dollars and threatened essential services nationwide.While one of Bolivia's largest labour federations agreed earlier this week to suspend demonstrations after reaching a preliminary agreement with the government, several Indigenous organisations and grassroots groups remain defiant.Many protesters are demanding not just policy changes but Paz's resignation. "We want him gone. We don't want him governing," Indigenous leader Lidia Callisaya recently told AFP.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-be-quiet-israel-and-un-officials-clash-in-fiery-exchange-over-report-on-abuse-of-palestinian-children-by-israeli-settlers-watch-video-1781921810472">'You will be quiet': Israel and UN officials clash in fiery exchange over report on abuse of Palestinian children by Israeli settlers | WATCH</a><h2>Evo Morales behind the protests?</h2>The crisis has also revived the political influence of former president Evo Morales, who remains a central figure despite being in hiding while facing allegations of trafficking a minor, charges he denies.Paz has repeatedly accused Morales and his supporters of orchestrating the unrest, calling them "narcoterrorists". On Saturday, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo did not rule out launching a future operation to arrest the former leader. Security forces "will carry out whatever operations are necessary at the appropriate time," he said, adding that Morales must face the law.Morales, speaking recently from hiding, rejected the accusations and argued that Bolivians were rising up against what he described as a government aligned too closely with the United States.

Bolivia has declared a 90-day state of emergency and deployed troops to dismantle roadblocks that have paralysed the country for more than six weeks. All you need to know.

Bolivia's government on Saturday (Jun 20) declared a nationwide state of emergency and deployed troops to clear dozens of roadblocks that have crippled the country for more than six weeks. The move comes after weeks of protests, strikes and highway blockades that have disrupted transport networks and triggered shortages of fuel, food and medicines across the country. President announces 90-day emergency measure In a televised address before dawn on Saturday, President Paz announced a 90-day emergency measure that allows the military to operate domestically and places restrictions on public demonstrations. He warned protestors that they would face "the full force of the law". Also read | FIFA 2026: Japanese men win hearts for cleaning World Cup stadiums. So why is the internet furious at them? Hours later, security forces began moving into some of the worst-affected areas. AFP reporters in El Alto, one of Bolivia's largest cities and a traditional centre of political mobilisation, witnessed convoys of soldiers, armed police and bulldozers clearing roads blocked with rubble, logs and debris. Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage: Paz In a social media post, Paz said, "Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage by blockades that prevent them from working, studying, receiving medical care, getting supplies and bringing food to their homes." "This state of emergency is not intended to take away normalcy, but to restore it," he added.

Bolivia has declared a 90-day state of emergency and deployed troops to dismantle roadblocks that have paralysed the country for more than six weeks. All you need to know.

Bolivia declares state of emergency, sends troops to crush six-week protest blockade

Bolivia is facing growing unrest as nationwide road blockades disrupt the supply of fuel, food and essential medicines across the country. The escalating crisis has raised concerns about shortages, economic disruption and public hardship. Amid mounting pressure, Ernesto Justiniano is set to replace Marcelo Salinas as Defence Minister, adding a new political dimension to an already tense situation. 

Police And Protesters Clash In La Paz As Calls For President's Resignation Grow

Violence has erupted in Bolivia’s capital as protesters and police clashed amid escalating unrest. Explosions were reported during confrontations in the streets, with tensions rapidly intensifying as demonstrations spread across key areas. Authorities have moved to contain the chaos while concerns grow over political instability, public anger, and worsening security conditions in the country. The clashes mark another major flashpoint in Bolivia’s ongoing unrest crisis.

Explosions In Bolivian Capital As Protesters And Police Engage In Clashes

Protesters set off fireworks at police on Monday (January 2) night in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz during the sixth day of protests following the arrest of local governor Luis Camacho.

Bolivian police targeted with fireworks as protests enter sixth day

The protests amid political tensions in Bolivia are turning violent, a day after the arrest of key Opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho, his supporters have launched attacks in the city of Santa Cruz as a part of a 24-hour strike. Protesters attacked the buildings, burnt cars and tyres.

Bolivia: Protests amid political tensions, anger over Opposition leader's arrest

The political situation is escalating in Bolivia. There has been weeks of unrest in the country and it is just about to get worst. Watch this video to know more.

Bolivia Political Row: Protesters angry over delayed census

Anti-government protests in Bolivia have entered their second week amid escalating political tensions, violent confrontations. The protesters are demanding early elections on September 6.

Bolivia protests: Protesters want elections on 6th Sep instead of Oct 18

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia.

AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-to-be-granted-asylum-his-life-at-risk-in-bolivia-mexico-261494">exile in Mexico</a>. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba.

Bolivia's interim leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-interim-president-rules-out-morales-election-bid-262276">Jeanine Anez </a>said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz.

Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country.&nbsp;

On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site.&nbsp;

Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening.&nbsp;

"This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN.

Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup.

Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power.

At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations.&nbsp;

Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">United States</a>, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims&nbsp;that Morales was a victim of a coup.

 
&nbsp;

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico.

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba. Bolivia's interim leader Jeanine Anez said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz. Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country. On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site. Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening. "This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN. Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup. Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power. At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations. Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. The United States, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims that Morales was a victim of a coup.

Five supporters of exiled leader Morales killed in clashes in Bolivia

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