President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday (May 25) ordered the dispatch of humanitarian aid to Bolivia, which is facing a wave of protests. According to his press office, he responded to a request from Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz following a telephone conversation between the two leaders.

According to the statement, the two presidents discussed the humanitarian situation amid protests and roadblocks. The disruptions are causing shortages in some regions of the country.

Respect for institutions

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President Lula emphasized the importance of respecting democratic institutions and the rule of law.

“In this context, he argued that the government and social movements should avoid resorting to violence and prioritize dialogue to overcome differences and preserve social peace,” the statement read.

Crisis in Bolivia

The Andean country is facing a wave of protests and road blockades that, over the past few weeks, have evolved into a popular uprising involving peasants, indigenous communities, miners, teachers, and other social groups.

A series of decisions by Bolivia’s new president, who took office after nearly 20 years of left-wing dominance, has been sparking protests across the country since the start of his term in December 2025, beginning with a decree eliminating gasoline subsidies.

The protests escalated after the government enacted a land law that peasants and indigenous people say favors large agribusiness interests at the expense of small farmers. The government, however, argues that the measure was intended to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector amid a severe economic crisis.

Due to public pressure, Rodrigo Paz repealed the law last week. Even so, the protests continued and gained new supporters.

Most of the roadblocks are taking place around the capital, La Paz, causing shortages of food, fuel, and other supplies in the city’s markets.