Key facts
- Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency.
- The declaration follows over six weeks of disruptive road blockades and unrest.
- Military forces have been deployed to clear the blockades.
- The protests have led to severe shortages of essential goods and significant economic damage.
- Some Indigenous groups intend to continue protesting despite a deal with a major union.
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency on Saturday, deploying military forces to dismantle anti-government roadblocks that have paralyzed the country for over six weeks. The protests, involving unions, Indigenous groups, and coca farmers, have led to severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses. President Paz warned protesters they would face the full force of the law, curbing the right to protest and authorizing the military to operate domestically. While a major union reached a deal with the government, some Indigenous groups have vowed to continue their demonstrations. The protests are reportedly driven by opposition to liberal economic reforms and a land reform proposal that has since been scrapped. Paz has accused former president Evo Morales of being behind the unrest.