In the tourism sector, the downturn has been immediate and severe. Edson Muraña, an Indigenous leader and tour guide from the Lipez community in Potosí—home to the well-known Salar de Uyuni—explained that “tourists stopped coming” from the very first week. Widespread cancellations disrupted travel plans and agency operations, triggering a ripple effect across the sector, especially for those whose income depends directly on visitor flows.

In La Paz, the tourism and hospitality sector reflects the scale of the crisis. According to Helga Cisneros, president of the Departmental Hotel Chamber, occupancy rates have dropped dramatically. The sector had already declined from around 70% occupancy in 2019 to approximately 35–38% in recent years. However, the situation worsened significantly during the blockades. At the beginning of June, hotel occupancy fell to as low as 4%, recovering only slightly to 7% in the following weeks, highlighting the near paralysis of tourism activity in the city.

The economic losses have been substantial. Cisneros reported that, at a national level, accumulated losses in the sector are estimated at around 2.7 billion bolivianos, equivalent to roughly 270 million US dollars at the current official exchange rate. While this figure reflects the broader national picture, La Paz—one of the country’s main tourism hubs—accounts for a significant share of these losses due to high cancellation rates and reduced visitor flows.

Cancellations have been particularly severe in recent months. “June has seen cancellations of around 95%,” Cisneros noted, adding that May had already been marked by widespread disruptions. This sharp decline in demand has left many businesses without revenue during what would typically be a key recovery period.

Beyond financial losses, the employment situation has become increasingly fragile. The hospitality sector, which employs large numbers of women and young people, has already been forced to send workers on leave due to the lack of activity. With high operating costs, including wages, utilities and taxes, many businesses are now considering layoffs as a necessary measure to remain viable.

At the same time, informal workers in local markets report unstable conditions affecting their daily trade. Vendors describe irregular supply and fluctuating prices, noting that availability can vary significantly from one day to the next. Despite these challenges, many emphasise that their priority is simply to continue working, as their livelihoods depend on daily income.

At a national level, business sectors estimate that the overall economic damage could reach as much as 3 billion US dollars, equivalent to approximately 5.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Confederation of Private Business Owners of Bolivia has called on the government to implement an emergency support plan for struggling companies, as well as to approve legislation aimed at preventing road blockades.

Although the blockades have gradually been lifted, the government also declared a state of emergency, ordering military and police forces to clear the roads. After nearly two months of disruption, Bolivia now faces the challenge of stabilising its economy , as workers across sectors continue to call for conditions that allow them to resume their activities and recover their livelihoods.

Organiser Agustin Arellano described the ritual as a millennia-old tradition that has been gradually revived since the 1990s. As part of the ceremony, participants carried out the ‘wilancha’, a ritual sacrifice of llamas, offering blood along with the heart and head to Pachamama as a sign of gratitude and in hopes of a prosperous planting season. Within the Andean worldview, the practice symbolises renewal and the continuity of natural cycles.

Footage from Viory showed police and soldiers removing stones, concrete blocks and mounds of earth from roads as vehicles slowly resumed movement. The deployment began in El Alto, passed through Senkata and continued to the Achica Arriba checkpoint on the main highway linking La Paz with Oruro.

In Senkata, some residents expressed support for the operation, saying the roadblocks had severely disrupted daily life.

"I agree with this roadblock clearance because it has caused a lot of harm. I live in Samo. How far do I have to walk to the minibus? .. We are harming ourselves," said resident Izana Apaza.

Authorities said the operation also enabled more than 150 trucks stranded in the Confital, Sayari and Bombeo sectors to resume their journeys after drivers spent more than 30 days with limited access to food and fuel.

The president also called on remaining protesters to stand down, warning that authorities would act to re-establish control. The announcement marks a significant escalation after weeks of tensions that have affected transport, trade and daily life across Bolivia, with the government insisting the emergency is aimed at protecting stability rather than limiting civil liberties .

A C-130 Hercules aircraft departed from Santiago and flew to Santa Cruz de la Sierra carrying the aid package. The operation was coordinated by the Chilean Air Force alongside the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and National Defence.

Speaking about the mission, Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna reaffirmed Chile’s support for Bolivia.

“Chile will always support neighbouring and friendly countries that require our cooperation. Finally, we reiterate our support for the Government of Bolivia and call for dialogue and a peaceful solution. And we reaffirm our unwavering respect for democratic institutions,” he said.

“We will continue helping the Government of Bolivia and the Bolivian people in this situation,” he added.

The latest shipment follows an earlier humanitarian mission on May 21, when Chile sent 7,843 kilograms of food and basic supplies to the Bolivian capital, La Paz.

Bolivia has been experiencing widespread disruptions linked to blockades and protests organised by peasant unions, the Bolivian Workers' Centre (COB) and other groups demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

According to reports, the ongoing crisis has resulted in estimated economic losses of $2.5 billion and contributed to at least 16 deaths, including 13 linked to delays in accessing medical care due to supply and transport disruptions.

Ayrton Condorhuayra, president of the National Multisectoral Committee of Bolivia, urged President Rodrigo Paz to use emergency powers to address the crisis.

“To the president, I say: Rodrigo, you have the people's approval. Declare a state of emergency,” Condorhuayra told the crowd.

He also called for the resignation of Vice President Edman Lara and demanded the arrest of former president Evo Morales, accusing him of being behind the protests and road blockades that have disrupted transport and supply chains across the country.

Participants at the rally said the blockades were causing shortages of food, medicine , oxygen and other essential goods.

“As a citizen of La Paz, we are not willing to continue with these critical days,” said Eva Oporto. “We cannot continue with this lack of food, health supplies and oxygen.”

Another resident appealed to authorities to act, citing growing hardship among families and concerns over access to healthcare.

The demonstration came a day after President Paz signed legislation regulating states of emergency, granting authorities powers that include deploying the military to clear blocked transport routes.

Bolivia has faced weeks of protests and road blockades that have disrupted the movement of goods and fuel in several regions. Despite mounting pressure, Paz has reaffirmed his intention to remain in office until the end of his term in 2030.

Authorities have accused violent groups of driving the unrest, with reports of armed clashes leaving police officers injured. Ongoing blockades have also disrupted food supplies, causing sharp price increases in La Paz and El Alto.

Security forces launched the operation in the early hours of the morning to reopen the highway linking Santa Cruz with Beni and western Bolivia, a key corridor for the transport of goods and supplies.

Productive Development Minister Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto defended the intervention, describing San Julian as a critical route for the movement of food, fuel, medicine and oxygen.

“That is why a determination was made based on the critical evaluations that are currently available regarding supply,” Justiniano said. “A joint action between the Police and the Army has determined to enter this area,” he told Viory.

He accused “radical groups with purely political interests” of maintaining the blockades despite government efforts to engage in dialogue with protest leaders.

According to Justiniano, the operation aims to restore traffic, recover control of the area and allow residents and businesses to resume transporting goods.

The unrest comes amid five weeks of protests and road blockades across Bolivia, where demonstrators are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, the protests have left at least 10 people dead, 37 injured and more than 100 facing legal proceedings. Authorities have also reported that seven people died after delays or an inability to access medical care due to the blockades.

Paraguayan Ambassador to Bolivia Enrique Jose Guerrero Cari said the assistance was sent on the instructions of President Santiago Peña as a gesture of solidarity with the Bolivian people.

The shipment forms part of a six-tonne aid package destined for the cities of La Paz and El Alto, which have been among the hardest hit by supply disruptions.

“It includes basic food items such as flour, sugar, salt, rice, pasta and oil , everything a family might need to prepare meals,” Guerrero said.

The aid arrives as residents in Santa Cruz continue to queue at cargo terminals in an effort to send food and supplies to relatives affected by shortages in other parts of the country.

Claudia Tapia, a Santa Cruz resident who regularly sends meat and chicken to family members in La Paz, welcomed the international assistance.

“Any assistance is welcome for our country because we are truly in a very critical situation,” she said.

Bolivia has endured more than three weeks of protests and road blockades, disrupting transport networks and contributing to shortages of food, fuel and medicine, particularly in La Paz and El Alto.

Protesters have been demanding economic relief measures, the reversal of austerity policies and, in some cases, the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

Her remarks formed part of a wider message on regional sovereignty, as she criticised external influence, particularly from the United States , and called for unity across Latin America. By pointing to Bolivia’s experience, Quilcué framed the region’s political direction as an ongoing struggle between competing models of governance, while emphasising the need for cooperation to address shared economic and social challenges.

At the same time, another group of demonstrators, including farmers, miners and workers linked to trade union organisations, marched through the streets of La Paz demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

Protesters also criticised remarks made by Rodrigo Paz during the 217th anniversary of Sucre’s liberation movement on Monday, where he said that “a minority” cannot govern, referring to groups calling for his removal.

The protests against Rodrigo Paz’s government have entered their fourth week and have resulted in blockades on major roads, disrupting the supply of fuel, food and medical supplies in several cities across Bolivia.

Participants voiced anger over ongoing road blockades disrupting the transport of food, fuel and medical services , and criticised both the groups behind the disruptions and the government’s response.

The march comes as Bolivia continues to grapple with unrest, shortages and rising tensions linked to supporters of former president Evo Morales.

Speaking from the historic Palacio Quemado in La Paz, Paz said the government needed to improve its ability to respond to public concerns during Bolivia’s worsening economic and social crisis.

The announcement came as demonstrations and transport blockades continued in La Paz, El Alto, and other regions. Protesters are demanding action over shortages of fuel and food, rising living costs, and the broader economic situation.

Paz appealed to demonstrators to allow humanitarian corridors for the delivery of essential supplies to hospitals and markets.

“To ask those who are at the blockades that this humanitarian corridor is oxygen in hospitals, it is food in our cities, they do not deserve this punishment,” he stated.

The president also criticised what he described as false information circulating online and among opposition groups regarding alleged government plans to impose new taxes and privatisations.

He also referred to deaths reported during the unrest and warned that those responsible for violence would face legal action.

“There are three dead because of the blockades. They are not from the national government; they are blockades. And the government is extending diverse options in order to generate dialogue. Vandals and those who have debts with justice , sooner or later, will have to face justice,” he said.

The speech took place under heavy security, with police and military personnel guarding key government buildings and diplomatic offices in central La Paz, including the Legislative Palace.

“After nearly 15 days of systematic road blockades, the entire health system of the City of La Paz <…> is under a logistical siege that places us on the verge of total shortages and institutional collapse,” said Alfredo Mendoza, director of the Children ’s Hospital.

Doctor Luis Larrea also blamed the blockades for worsening conditions inside hospitals.

“Today we are saying it; we do not want tomorrow to come out with an announcement that some patient has died. We doctors, will not be responsible for this blockade,” he said.

The shortages have directly affected patients who rely on continuous treatment and oxygen supplies.

“I still struggle a lot to breathe, especially those carrying out the blockades; have a heart so that at least they allow medicines to pass through, please,” said patient Elias Colque Huaywa.

The crisis comes amid nationwide protests against President Rodrigo Paz. Demonstrations led by unions, peasant groups, miners, and other organisations have blocked major roads while demanding government action over the economic crisis and calling for the president’s resignation.

The blockades have particularly affected routes leading into La Paz and El Alto, limiting access for fuel trucks and supply vehicles.

According to Bolivia’s Ministry of Health, at least four tonnes of medical oxygen failed to reach hospitals because of roadblocks in different parts of the country.

The political and economic unrest has also disrupted food supplies. Authorities and local reports say shortages of products, including beef and chicken, have been reported in La Paz, while several businesses remain closed.

The protests have also reportedly led to riots and looting, including major incidents on Monday. Demonstrators are demanding solutions to shortages, concerns over fuel quality, and broader economic problems linked to the government of President Rodrigo Paz.

Paz called on protesters on Wednesday to allow the creation of humanitarian corridors to hospitals.

The dispute followed remarks by Petro describing the situation in Bolivia as a “popular insurrection” and a “Bolivian political crisis,” while offering Colombia’s support for a peaceful solution.

“President Petro’s statements are spreading misinformation, making value judgments and implying direct interference in Bolivian internal politics ,” Aramayo said.

He stressed that the move did not mean Bolivia was severing diplomatic relations with Colombia.

Petro later told Radio Caracol that Bolivia was experiencing “extremism” following the ambassador’s expulsion.

The diplomatic row comes amid growing tensions in Bolivia, where protests and roadblocks have disrupted transport and supplies of food and basic goods across parts of the country.

Bolivian truck driver Miguel Mamani said he had been stranded for ten days because of the ongoing unrest.

Mamani added that many drivers were facing shortages of food, water , medicine, and sanitary facilities while waiting at the border.

Bolivian trader Maciel Herrera also said she had been stranded for ten days and criticised those organising the protests.

“We want to work. We need to earn a living. Many people live day to day, and many families have been sleeping on the street with their children ,” she said.

The Departmental Chamber of Transport of La Paz said earlier this week that around 5,000 heavy trucks remained stranded on Bolivian roads because of protests and roadblocks that have continued for more than a week.

Demonstrators have blocked several key transport routes, including international corridors linking Bolivia with Peru and Chile, as part of growing protests demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to the government’s economic reform measures.

The march began on April 8 in El Porvenir with around 100 participants, but organisers say the movement has grown significantly, now drawing about 3,000 people .

Demonstrators are calling for the repeal of Law 1720, which they say could undermine land rights in Indigenous and rural communities.

Feyfer Quajiru, Executive Secretary of the Harakbut, Yine, and Matsiguenga Council, said the protest movement has three main demands.

“We have three demands. First, the immediate repeal of Law 1720. Second, the immediate legal protection of our lands. And third, the anti-blockade law, which we will not accept either, just as we will not accept other laws being passed without consultation, without proper engagement with the public,” he said.

Backed by international support, including Fred Sorrells, the programme is recruiting women nationwide and will host an intensive training camp with specialised coaches as it prepares for global competition.

The growing pressure on Chile’s northern border

Over the past several years, Chile’s northern frontier has become one of the main migration routes into the country. Thousands of migrants, many travelling from Venezuela, Haiti and other parts of Latin America, have crossed through Bolivia before entering Chile via remote border points in the Andean plateau.

For Kast’s government, the situation represents a serious challenge to national security and state capacity. Officials argue that irregular crossings are linked not only to humanitarian migration but also to organised crime networks, including human trafficking, smuggling and drug transport routes operating across the Andean region.

The proposed border measures, therefore, go beyond a simple wall. The plan includes trenches, high fencing, electronic surveillance systems, drones and an expanded military presence along vulnerable sections of the frontier.

A difficult border to control

The border between Chile and Bolivia runs for roughly 860 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable landscapes in the world. Much of it cuts through high-altitude desert terrain in the Atacama Desert, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and infrastructure is scarce.

Policing such terrain has always been difficult. Even today, large sections of the frontier remain largely unmonitored.

For critics, this raises doubts about the practical effectiveness of building walls in such an environment . They argue that migration routes tend to adapt quickly to new barriers, often shifting to more remote or dangerous paths.

Regional and diplomatic implications

The proposal has also generated discussion in Bolivia, where some officials and analysts worry about the potential diplomatic impact of a heavily fortified border.

Relations between the two countries have long been shaped by historical tensions dating back to the War of the Pacific, which left Bolivia landlocked after losing its coastline to Chile.

Although trade and cross-border movement have continued in the decades since, the idea of a physical barrier raises concerns about the future dynamics of mobility and cooperation in the region.

At the same time, migration across the Andes is rarely a purely bilateral issue. Many migrants travelling through Bolivia have already crossed several countries before reaching Chile, making the phenomenon part of a much broader regional migration system.

The aircraft was transporting about 423 million bolivianos in newly printed bills destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia. When the plane veered off the runway and crashed onto a busy avenue, millions of banknotes were scattered across the street. Crowds quickly gathered, and some people rushed to collect the money, forcing police to disperse them with tear gas while authorities destroyed part of the cash to prevent it from entering circulation.

But the real turmoil came in the days that followed. Because the bills on board had not yet officially entered circulation, the Central Bank temporarily suspended the validity of certain Series B banknotes, particularly the 10, 20 and 50 boliviano denominations. The bank also published serial numbers linked to the shipment and warned that any notes matching those numbers would be considered invalid.

The decision, meant to protect the financial system, created widespread confusion across the country. Many businesses, transport operators and markets began rejecting all Series B banknotes, even those that were perfectly legal. As rumours spread, thousands of Bolivians rushed to banks to exchange their cash or verify whether the bills they carried were still valid.

To manage the situation, the Central Bank launched a digital verification system allowing citizens to check their money. By entering the serial number of a banknote online, users can confirm whether it belongs to the group of bills linked to the crash or if it remains valid for circulation. Officials emphasised that only a small portion of the notes involved in the accident were invalid, while the vast majority of Series B banknotes remain legal tender.

Even so, the crisis exposed how fragile everyday transactions can be when trust in cash is shaken. Vendors, taxi drivers and small businesses reported difficulties accepting certain bills, and many people turned increasingly to digital payments or bank transfers to avoid the uncertainty. Long queues formed outside banks as citizens tried to confirm the legitimacy of their money.

Weeks after the crash, the confusion has begun to ease as authorities clarify which notes are valid and businesses slowly resume accepting Series B bills. Yet the episode has left a lasting lesson: in a cash-dependent economy , even a brief disruption to the trust behind banknotes can ripple quickly through daily life, transforming a tragic accident into a nationwide economic headache.

To prevent stolen notes from entering circulation, the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) invalidated banknotes from the affected “Series B” batch and later published the serial number ranges linked to the crash. The BCB also set up an online serial-number verifier so the public can confirm whether a Bs10, Bs20 or Bs50 note has been invalidated.

The response, however, has also fuelled disruption in daily trade . Reports say some businesses and transport operators have refused to accept even legitimate “Series B” notes, forcing many Bolivians to queue at banks and the central bank to check and exchange cash.

Central bank chief David Espinoza has urged the public to cooperate and accept legal tender, warning that the crash-linked bills were identifiable and unauthorised. “The banknotes are not authorised for circulation… Anyone who holds these banknotes is committing a crime and must return them to financial institutions,” he said.

Investigators are still examining what caused the crash. The pilot told investigators the runway was icy and the brakes failed after landing, according to his lawyer.

Pilgrims advance towards the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavón, some on their knees in acts of promise and faith, while emblematic dances such as la diablada and la morenada reflect centuries of spiritual and cultural fusion. The carnival is both a religious pilgrimage and a national cultural expression with global recognition.

Gold prices have doubled over the past twelve months, reaching around five thousand dollars per troy ounce. Silver's climb has been even more dramatic. It rose from around $35 an ounce at the start of the year to a peak of $120 in January, before falling back to around $80. Even after that drop, silver is still up more than 250 percent over the year, outperforming almost every other asset.

What's going on?

The current surge began with central banks. After Russia was cut off from the global financial system following its invasion of Ukraine, many countries recognised a vulnerability. The US dollar dominates global reserves and trade, which makes it convenient but also exposes countries to political pressure. Nations including China, Turkey, India and several in the Middle East began looking for alternatives that could not be controlled by any single government. Gold became the obvious choice.

At the same time, the world experienced the sharpest inflation spike in decades. Supply chain disruptions, the energy crisis in Europe and lingering effects of the pandemic undermined confidence in currencies. Historically, these are the conditions in which gold performs well. When trust in money weakens, investors turn to something tangible.

Gold and silver are also not just stores of value. They are essential materials for modern technology. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and data centres all depend on them. Demand has risen quickly, but mining supply has not kept pace. Environmental concerns, rising costs and the long time it takes to develop new mines mean production cannot respond quickly to price signals.

Finally, there is a psychological element. As prices rise, fear of missing out draws in more investors. Media attention pulls in ordinary savers alongside hedge funds and central banks, pushing prices even higher.

Ghana and gold

Ghana’s relationship with gold stretches back over a thousand years. Long before modern states existed, gold from the region travelled across the Sahara. European traders later named the area the Gold Coast, a name that captured how central the metal was to the economy.

After independence, gold mining was nationalised, but mismanagement led to decline. Reforms in the 1980s revived the sector, and today gold is once again the backbone of the economy. In 2025, gold accounted for around 64 percent of export earnings, bringing in roughly $11.5 billion. Mining contributes more than a third of government revenue and supports millions of jobs, both formal and informal.

The recent price boom has brought visible benefits. Foreign reserves have stabilised, and the cedi has strengthened significantly against the dollar. This has helped reduce imported inflation, especially for fuel and food, which have been politically sensitive after years of economic hardship. For many Ghanaians, higher gold prices feel like a long-awaited breathing space .

But the boom has also intensified existing challenges. Informal and illegal mining has expanded, driven by the incentive of higher prices. Rivers have been polluted and landscapes damaged. In response, the government has created a Gold Board to tighten controls, capture value leaking out through smuggling and improve environmental enforcement. Special river guards have been trained, arrests have been made and monitoring has increased. Results so far are mixed, but there is recognition that without stronger regulation, the long-term costs could outweigh the short-term gains.

Bolivia and silver

Bolivia’s history with silver is inseparable from Potosí and the Cerro Rico mountain, which for centuries helped finance the Spanish Empire at immense human cost. After five hundred years of mining, the mountain itself is now at physical risk, with collapses a constant threat.

Bolivia remains a significant silver producer. In 2024, it produced around 1,300 metric tonnes and exported roughly $1.2 billion worth of silver ores and concentrates. Mining today is dominated by cooperatives that operate in a grey zone between formal and informal activity. These groups wield considerable political power and are central to ongoing debates about safety, environmental damage and state oversight.

Rising silver prices have brought mixed reactions. Higher incomes help mining communities survive, especially in regions like Potosí where alternatives are scarce. At the same time, weak regulation and limited enforcement capacity raise concerns about environmental degradation and labour conditions. Proposals have been floated to formalise cooperatives through financial incentives tied to environmental standards, but whether these reforms will be fully implemented remains uncertain.

For a country facing a severe foreign currency shortage and fuel crisis, silver offers potential relief. Studies suggest significant revenue gains are possible if the sector is better regulated, but this depends on political will and institutional capacity.

A temporary boom or lasting change?

Both Ghana and Bolivia are benefiting from high prices, but both face the same underlying question. Commodity booms rarely last forever. Prices will likely fall at some point. The real issue is whether today’s windfall can be converted into lasting economic stability, stronger institutions and environmental protection.

In Ghana, higher gold prices have helped stabilise the economy and given the government room to manoeuvre after a difficult period. In Bolivia, silver offers a chance to ease immediate pressures but also exposes long-standing structural problems.

The opportunity is real in both countries. So is the risk. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or just another chapter in the familiar boom-and-bust cycle depends on how governments act while prices are high.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Footage filmed by Viory on Friday, January 30, shows hundreds of dancers performing in brightly coloured, hand-embroidered costumes, accompanied by folkloric music and traditional choreography. Masks, percussion and elaborate outfits reflect ancestral beliefs and customs passed down through generations across the Andean region.

Local authorities highlight the festival’s role in preserving a shared cultural heritage that predates modern national borders. The traditions on display blend influences from what are now Chile, Bolivia and Peru, underscoring a common Andean worldview rooted in history , spirituality and community life.

First held officially in 2003, the carnival takes its name from the desert sun and the Andean sun god, a symbol of life and renewal. Today, it is recognised not only as a major tourist attraction but also as an important space for intercultural exchange and regional identity in northern Chile.

Footage from the fair shows stalls filled with tiny replicas of houses, cars, buildings, money and household goods, as visitors browse, purchase and prepare the miniatures for ceremonial blessings. The objects represent personal wishes, ranging from home ownership to financial stability.

“There are little cars, buildings, and money. So everything you can desire you can buy, and later you smoke it so that a year later it is fulfilled. But there always has to be faith,” said Giovana Quispe, a vendor at the fair.

As part of the Andean ritual, participants light incense, attach miniature accessories to figures and pour alcoholic drinks over statues of Ekeko as offerings while asking for blessings and good fortune. The Alasitas Fair was recognised by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Visitors moving through the fair encountered stalls filled with alasitas, miniature figures representing personal aspirations, alongside stones, candles and natural quartz. These objects form part of a belief system in which material symbols are used to give shape to desires, with the expectation that intention and ritual can help turn them into reality.

Now in its 27th edition, the fair reflects practices shared across the Peruvian–Bolivian highlands, where faith in miniatures and wishes has been passed down for generations. Vendors say the figures commonly represent homes, vehicles, family life or economic stability, mirroring the goals many people set at the beginning of a new year.

In addition to the miniatures, the fair offers cleansing baths, amulets and energy rituals aimed at attracting health , love, prosperity and success. For many participants, selecting an item marks the symbolic beginning of a process through which hopes for the coming year are activated.

The Fair of Wishes will remain open until early February, but its significance is closely tied to the New Year period. In a global context shaped by uncertainty and rapid change, the tradition stands as a distinctly Peruvian way of welcoming the year ahead through cultural continuity and collective belief.

The mobilisation was led by miners affiliated with the Departmental Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Cochabamba (Fidecomin), who marched towards the city centre to demand the immediate repeal of the decree. Protesters described the measure as unconstitutional and warned that it disproportionately affects low-income Bolivians who rely on subsidised fuel to sustain their daily livelihoods.

Speaking during the march, miners made clear that the repeal of Decree 5503 is their sole demand and signalled that the current protests could escalate. Union representatives said more forceful actions, including road blockades and broader mobilisations, remain under consideration if the government fails to respond.

Decree 5503 set new fuel prices at 6.96 bolivianos per litre for regular petrol, 11 bolivianos for premium petrol, and 9.80 bolivianos for diesel. The policy marks a significant shift in Bolivia’s long-standing fuel subsidy system and comes amid wider economic pressures facing the country.

The government has suggested that the protests may be driven by political motivations, a claim firmly rejected by demonstrators, who argue their demands are social and economic in nature . With mobilisations expected to continue, attention now turns to the executive branch, which faces mounting pressure to address opposition to the decree and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The removal of subsidies, which until now kept fuel well below international market costs, will result in sharp increases in gasoline and diesel prices. Under the new regime, the cost of petrol and diesel is expected to rise substantially, with diesel climbing more than 160 per cent and petrol nearly doubling in price. At the same time, the government said it would maintain the price of liquefied petroleum gas to protect household budgets.

Paz described the elimination of fuel subsidies as part of an “economic and social emergency” and insisted the move does not mean abandonment of social commitments, but rather “order, justice and transparent redistribution” of resources. He also announced a 20 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and expanded social support measures intended, officials say, to cushion the impact on vulnerable groups.

The decision has drawn both support and criticism domestically. Some sectors welcomed the end of costly subsidies that drained the state coffers, which previously amounted to several billion dollars annually and argued the move could help reduce fiscal deficits and encourage private sector participation in fuel supply. Others, including labour groups and transport unions, have expressed strong opposition, staging demonstrations and strikes in major cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz, as the higher fuel costs quickly rippled through public transport and other key services .

Internationally, Bolivia’s policy shift is being watched as part of a wider pattern in Latin America , where countries are grappling with the legacy of long-standing subsidies amid economic pressures including inflation, dollar shortages and budget deficits. For foreign investors and regional partners, the reforms signal a significant break with the previous two decades of fixed fuel pricing and a move towards market-oriented adjustments aimed at restoring fiscal health.

An example of this trend is Chile, where José Antonio Kast , a right-wing conservative, won the December 2025 presidential runoff with about 58% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara.

His victory marks one of the clearest rightward political shifts in the country since its transition to democracy in 1990, and places Chile alongside other South American states now governed by conservative leaders.

Kast joins leaders such as Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and Argentina’s Javier Milei to show a regional shift away from leftist dominance.

The trend was further highlighted in October, when Bolivia elected centrist Rodrigo Paz, bringing nearly 20 years of socialist rule to an end.

Yet this rightward shift is not without its challenges and critics. Scholars like Ken Roberts, a professor at Cornell University, warned of potential political polarisation and institutional strains as new administrations push their agendas amid divided electorates ahead of the run-off.

“A Kast victory would reinforce the recent surge of right and far-right political actors in Latin America, who are strongly supported by the Trump Administration in the US. But it would also continue a much longer pattern of volatile anti-incumbent voting in Latin America's turbulent democratic waters. This latter pattern suggests that any political shift to the right in Chile and neighbouring countries is likely to encounter strong political headwinds and underlying fragilities in a regional context of acute polarisation and severely atrophied political institutions,” Roberts said.

The continent's electoral calendar continues with significant votes ahead in countries like Peru, Colombia and Brazil, and observers will be watching closely to see whether the current momentum carries forward or stalls.

Former president Luis Arce was ordered into five months of preventive detention at San Pedro prison in La Paz on corruption charges linked to alleged irregularities in the management of the Indigenous Development Fund when he served as economy minister under Evo Morales. A judge cited risks of obstructing the investigation and flight, rejecting appeals for release despite arguments about his health and age. Arce has declared himself “absolutely innocent” and called the move politically motivated, while his legal team has already appealed the decision. Police and prison authorities say his security and rights are being respected, with special attention to his health and isolated accommodation.

Flooding in Santa Cruz leaves communities in urgent need

Severe rains and flooding in the Santa Cruz region have killed at least three people and affected around ten communities, according to Vice-President Edman Lara. He described the situation as critical and called for urgent national support to assist displaced families and restore basic services . Roads, homes and farmland have been damaged, escalating concerns about food security and access to clean water. Local authorities are coordinating with national bodies to reach isolated areas and distribute emergency aid.

Bolivia emerges as world centre for dinosaur footprint research

Bolivia has gained global scientific attention with the documentation of more than 16,600 dinosaur footprints at the Carreras Pampa site in Toro Toro National Park, a study published in PLOS One shows. These fossilised tracks, many attributed to theropod dinosaurs and featuring swim traces and tail drag marks, represent the largest known concentration of dinosaur footprints in the world, providing rare insight into behaviour and movement millions of years ago. Scientists say the varied footprints not only help reconstruct ancient ecosystems but also position Bolivia as a leading destination for paleontological research and geotourism.

Sweden shifts cooperation approach but will not close ties with Bolivia

Sweden’s ambassador to Bolivia stated that while Sweden will not withdraw from the country, it is changing its mode of bilateral cooperation to better reflect geopolitical shifts and development priorities. The new approach emphasises flexibility and aligning with global and regional conditions rather than cutting ties altogether. Bolivian authorities welcomed continued engagement, particularly in areas such as governance, human rights and sustainable development, even as both sides adapt cooperation frameworks.

FONPLATA announces $1 billion financing for Bolivia over next five years

Regional development bank FONPLATA announced plans to allocate US$1 billion in financing to Bolivia through 2030, signalling strong support for infrastructure, social and economic projects. The funding is expected to boost development priorities, including transport networks, water and sanitation, and urban resilience efforts. Bolivian officials said the commitment reflects confidence in the country’s economic strategy and could help stimulate growth amidst ongoing challenges such as climate impacts and institutional reforms.

The Fondioc was created to finance development projects in Indigenous and rural communities, but investigations found that many of those projects were left unfinished, never began, or did not exist at all. The Bolivian Attorney General’s Office claims that millions of bolivianos were diverted, mismanaged or transferred improperly. According to the official indictment, one of the key elements used to request Arce’s arrest is a 2009 board meeting act, which places him among the authorities responsible for approving the release of funds later identified as irregular.

Prosecutors argue that Arce had a legal obligation to oversee and verify the proper use of Fondioc resources, and that he failed to intervene despite evidence of mismanagement. The case file states that “the former president knew of irregularities in the conduct attributed to him”, pointing to authorisations issued while he formed part of the economic team that managed the fund. This is the basis for the charges of “incumplimiento de deberes” (breach of duty) and “conducta antieconómica” (economic misconduct).

Arce, who left office in November after completing his presidential term, has so far exercised his right to remain silent. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested three months of preventive detention, citing risks of obstruction and flight. His former chief of staff, María Nela Prada, denounced the arrest as a “ kidnapping ”, while government officials insist it is part of a renewed national effort to pursue corruption cases without exception.

The Fondioc investigation has been active for years and has implicated multiple former officials, including ex-legislators and public servants. With the recent change of government and President Rodrigo Paz’s pledge to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement, the case has returned to the centre of Bolivia’s political landscape, and Luis Arce has become its highest-profile detainee to date.

This divide, has of course been exploited by politicians. From the 1970s onwards, the left sought to build support among racial minorities, gradually altering its own identity. Once fundamentally class-based, the “left” in the early 21st century took the fight not only to imperialist and colonial legacies but also to all those perceived to embody that heritage.

As a result, the integration that once defined the region has partly given way to racial fragmentation. Electoral maps from the last 20 years closely mirror the ethnic makeup of communities.

In Bolivia, the Aymara leader Evo Morales won office not only because voters endorsed the programme of his Movement for Socialism, but because of affinity to his indigenous background. Large constituencies backed him as he used anti-colonial rhetoric to seize and redistribute land from elite farmers, often of Spanish heritage.

In Bolivia’s 2025 election, the right-wing candidate Rodrigo Paz won with the backing of vice-presidential candidate Edman Lara - someone Indigenous voters consider one of their own. Tensions emerged immediately: Lara has mobilised supporters demanding expanded powers from the president.

In Peru, Communist Party leader Isaac Humala Núñez founded the Ethnocacerist Movement in 1987 with a straightforward agenda: power to the Indigenous population. His sons later built the Peruvian Nationalist Party on this foundation. One of them, Ollanta Humala became president in 2011. The party collapsed a few years later, but was replaced by a left-wing movement likewise oriented toward Indigenous voters, albeit without explicitly racial slogans. In 2021, its candidate Pedro Castillo - himself indigenous - won the presidency. Electoral maps show that Castillo prevailed in regions dominated by indigenous populations.

Ecuador’s elections have also taken on a racial character. Daniel Noboa won office with support from the Europeanised electorate and now faces protests from indigenous groups, escalating in some cases into armed confrontation.

In Brazil, the Workers’ Party—the main force of the left—does not explicitly foreground racial issues. However, after coming to power in 2003, it expanded affirmative-action policies explicitly aimed at increasing access for Black, Indigenous, and low-income Brazilians. 

The victory of right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro in 2019 was, to some extent, a revolt against these policies. Overlaid electoral and demographic maps tell the story: the “Black” Northeast voted for the left, while the “white” South and Southeast backed the right. The 2022 results show a similar pattern, though the left won that time - political preferences still matter, and Brazi’s divisions are less ethnically-based than, for example, Bolivia.

Colombia’s recent elections reveal a comparable trend. Around 60% of the population belongs to various ethnic groups distinguishing themselves from the “descendants of colonisers”. Left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro made race a visible part of his platform, promising to defend the rights of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Turnout in regions where those groups predominate surged, while the traditionally “white” centre of the country once again saw low participation.

Indigenous communities are beginning to step outside the framework of the left and articulate their own demands. Brazilian Indigenous groups staged unrest at a climate summit, opposing the construction of railways, power facilities and oil extraction in the Amazon - projects seen as vital for most Brazilians, but not for Indigenous groups. Similar dynamics are unfolding in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and even Argentina, where Indigenous populations are small minorities, yet still mobilising against development initiatives, sometimes violently, as seen in Chile and Ecuador.

The intensification of racial tensions destabilises Latin American states and obstructs their development. Crucially, these mobilisations rarely benefit indigenous communities themselves, but their leaders- often pursuing personal or group political and financial interests. They use left-wing movements as a façade, stoking conflict and provoking confrontation between “indigenous” and “non-indigenous” Latin Americans.

This opinion piece solely represents the views of the author, who has chosen not to disclose his name to avoid repercussions to his work. Global South World knows and can verify his identity.

Speaking from the Casa Grande del Pueblo in La Paz, Arce reflected on his administration’s achievements and offered an apology to the Bolivian people for the difficulties faced under his government. He insisted that every effort had been made to confront the challenges of recent years “with determination and honesty”.

The president said the internal rifts within MAS began when Morales sought to maintain control of the party and prevent its democratisation, asserting that Bolivia’s left needed to “return power to social organisations” rather than allow it to revolve around a single figure. Arce also recalled the June 2024 coup attempt, saying he leaves office “through the main door and with his head held high”.

His speech marks the end of an era: nearly two decades of MAS dominance in Bolivian politics . The party suffered a historic defeat in the August election, with its candidate winning just over three per cent of the vote — a result that analysts see as a reflection of the deep divisions within Bolivia’s once-unified left.

ALBA-TCP was created in 2004 by Cuba and Venezuela as an alternative to US-influenced trade and political blocs, aiming to strengthen cooperation among left-leaning Latin American countries. Bolivia, a key member for years under previous administrations, had already left and re-entered the bloc in past political cycles. The new government’s stance — seen as a break with the legacy of Evo Morales — prompted ALBA to declare Bolivia’s position “incompatible” with its founding principles.

Analysts say the suspension underscores the waning influence of ideological alliances formed during Latin America ’s early-2000s “pink tide.” As governments across the region pursue more pragmatic or centrist approaches, the continent’s once-unified leftist front appears increasingly fragmented.

“From the perspective of progressive movements in Latin America , it’s a shame they became divided today in Bolivia”, Sheinbaum said during a press briefing in Mexico City. “Sometimes that is trivialised, but politically speaking, for transformation movements it’s very important to remain united".

Her remarks came a day after centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party won Bolivia’s presidential runoff with 54.5% of the vote, defeating former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the LIBRE Alliance, who secured 45.5%, according to preliminary results from Bolivia’s electoral tribunal.

Sheinbaum’s comments reflect growing concern among regional leaders that ideological fragmentation could weaken the broader leftist wave that has defined Latin American politics over the past decade.

“This does not intimidate me,” Quiroga said during his concession speech. “No victory should make you arrogant, and no adversity should bend you. I am persistent and consistent. We will always be there to lend a shoulder; we never put obstacles in the way. Bolivia needs to move forward, and we will always do our part in that spirit.”

The former president, who governed Bolivia between 2001 and 2002, also expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his congratulations to the Paz-Lara team for their work in both electoral rounds. He described the campaign as “an unprecedented experience” and praised the tone of democratic competition maintained throughout the process.

The October 19 defeat marks Quiroga’s fourth unsuccessful presidential bid. He previously ran in 2005, 2014, and 2020, losing each time to candidates from the left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS), including Evo Morales and Luis Arce. Despite this, Quiroga emphasised that persistence and integrity remain at the heart of his political journey.

As Bolivia prepares for a new administration under Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Quiroga urged unity and collaboration. “We have had 20 years of destruction, and it is necessary for Bolivia to move forward,” he said. “Our role now is to help rebuild, not divide.”

The election marks a decisive moment for Bolivia, following a tense campaign shaped by debates over corruption , security, and economic recovery. Paz, the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, ran on a platform of political moderation and institutional renewal, appealing to voters seeking stability after years of polarisation.

According to the TSE, the vote was conducted peacefully across most regions, though some rural areas experienced minor logistical delays in the counting process. Election observers also noted high voter turnout, reflecting the public’s engagement in what has been one of the country’s most competitive races in recent years.

If confirmed, Paz’s win would represent a shift toward the political centre in Bolivia, signalling the electorate’s appetite for consensus-driven leadership. His government is expected to face immediate challenges, including inflation control, regional inequality, and growing demands for transparency in public administration.

Final official results are expected in the coming days, once electoral authorities complete verification of the remaining tally sheets and announce the certified outcome.

“A well-founded request has been made for preventive detention for the maximum period of 180 days,” Zeballos said. “As this is a case of gender-based violence , it is important to fully preserve and protect the rights of women, especially those in situations of vulnerability,” he added.

Authorities had activated an Interpol red notice to locate and apprehend Marcelo Arce before he voluntarily appeared at the Prosecutor’s Office to give a statement.

“Red notices have been activated to carry out geolocation, identification, and arrest for extradition purposes,” Zeballos confirmed, adding that Arce’s appearance came “thanks to the thorough and diligent work of the Prosecutor’s Office.”

Prosecutors say the case is supported by forensic medical reports indicating the victim suffered 12 days of medical incapacity, along with psychological evaluations showing emotional harm.

While a conciliation agreement has reportedly been submitted, prosecutors stressed that any settlement will be evaluated carefully but does not nullify the criminal process.

“We are going to open Bolivia to the world ,” he said. “Investment will come…Tourists will arrive. We will create jobs and opportunities so our young people stay here, with work, future, and hope,” he said.

Quiroga directly blamed the current government for spiralling inflation and fuel scarcity, accusing it of exhausting gas reserves and relying on excessive Central Bank money printing. “Prices are skyrocketing,” he warned.

“You go to the market, and your money isn’t enough, your basket is empty, and your family goes hungry,” he added.

He criticised the administration for leaving the country “without diesel, without gasoline, without dollars,” forcing citizens to endure long queues for basic fuel supplies.

Quiroga pledged to solve fuel lines and dollar shortages by restoring investor confidence and increasing exports.

“We are going to bring in dollars so you can get out of the diesel and gasoline lines, work, earn your money, and support your family,” he said, urging voters to back Alianza Libre at the ballot box.

The presidential runoff is scheduled to take place on October 19.

His remarks followed a complaint filed by activist and former candidate Peter Beckhauser, who alleged “technological manipulation” in over 3,600 voting records from the 17 August election. Beckhauser claimed that votes intended for the opposition alliance Unidad and the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) were tampered with — accusations that have since been echoed by pro-Morales lawmakers.

Two deputies aligned with Morales’s faction — Renán Cabezas and Jerjes Mercado — have called for a special congressional commission to investigate the alleged irregularities. Arce, however, warned that any disruption to the electoral calendar or attempts to question the legitimacy of the vote could “trigger social convulsion and violent actions that Bolivians do not want.”

The president reiterated that his administration has fully supported the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, respecting the country’s institutions and the agreed timetable. With more than 7.9 million Bolivians set to vote both at home and abroad on 19 October, Arce urged political actors to uphold constitutional order, promising that his government — “together with the Bolivian people” — will remain “a vigilant guardian of democracy.”

“The threat of death looms over Latin America and the Caribbean. The US Fifth Fleet, under the Southern Command, is mobilised with military potential that includes everything from patrol boats to missiles, along with planes, helicopters and submarines, using the pretext that this maritime space is being used against the national security of the United States”, Arce said.

The Bolivian leader also condemned the United States’ role in international conflicts, particularly its support for Israel in the Gaza Strip. He argued that US policies exacerbate violence and displacement, and warned that poverty, inequality, and social injustice in the region continue to worsen under these pressures.

Arce’s remarks come amid rising military activity near Venezuela, where the Trump administration has deployed warships along the coast since August. The president cautioned that these developments increase the risk of instability, potentially threatening peace across the Americas and globally if decisive action is not taken.