So the tension in Bolivia has reached new levels in the past week or so, and we are left wondering where this will lead. Below is a very brief overview and a couple links if you'd like to dig deeper. The educational technologist in me had to create a graphic for the visual learners reading this! :)(Click to see a larger version)
Brief, overly simplified synopsis:
- The conflict is between the federal government of President Evo Morales who represents the indigenous majority, and a minority opposition group in the eastern part of the country who wants “autonomy,” basically local control of the oil and natural gas resources in that part of the country.
- Roots of the conflict are racial, economic and historical.
- The conflict has sharpened over the past few years with the election of Evo Morales as the first indigenous president.
- For more info:
Andean Information Network - http://ain-bolivia.org
The Democracy Center - http://www.democracyctr.org
Live Bolivian TV (4 channels to choose from, in Spanish) - http://www.cotas.net/tvalvivo/
The past week has seen a lot of protests in Santa Cruz, some takeovers of government buildings, looting, and general unrest. The worst violence, including numerous deaths, was in another part of the country (Cobija, Pando). Things were calmer over the weekend as negotiations seemed to progress, but as of Tuesday afternoon those talks appear to have broken down. (Update on Wed.Sept.17 - there are positive headlines in the newspaper this morning reporting an agreement reached last night outlining a process for further negotiation.)
The direct impact on us is that the past two mornings we got up early and trekked everyone off to school for Nathan and Maria’s “first day” only to learn that schools were closed due to the violence/unrest in the city. Supposedly schools will open on Wednesday. Personally, we have felt very safe. The MCC community is a good source of information and counsel on all of this, that we'll continue to rely on in the coming days.
Hoping the next post is titled “First day of school,”
Lynn
2 comments:
Thanks for the update. I have some friend in La Paz, too, and am trying to follow what's going on a bit. Crazy with the ambassador spat. I'm glad you feel safe, what a ride!
I'm still waiting for the final word on Afghanistan, but prospects are positive that I'd be there in a month or so.
Thanks Lynnie for the update, we have been worried here on W. New St. seeing how the Intell had a story on it today saying the US Embassy wants all US citizens to leave the country...Now we would love to have you back, but not in that way....we are very hopeful you all feel safe and are able to stay and continue your great work in Bolivia...love, mandy and comp.
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