Brazil will transport food within Bolivia from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to the capital, La Paz. The humanitarian aid comes amid protests demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

The operation, whose date has yet to be determined, will be coordinated by Brazil’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agrarian Development in partnership with the Ministry of Defense, which will arrange for an aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).

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The plane is scheduled to depart from Brasília for La Paz with food supplies aimed at mitigating the effects of roadblocks that have lasted more than three weeks, causing shortages in the Bolivian capital.

After unloading the supplies, the aircraft will transport items provided by Bolivian authorities or other organizations from one city to the other.

Cooperation

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on Monday (May 25) with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who requested humanitarian assistance.

In a press release, the Brazilian government stated that, during his phone call with Rodrigo Paz, Lula reiterated “his solidarity with the Bolivian government and people” and emphasized the importance of “respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

“In this context, he urged the government and social movements to avoid resorting to violence and prioritize dialogue as the path to overcoming differences and preserving social peace,” the statement said.

Crisis

Bolivia is facing a series of protests and roadblocks that have, over the past few weeks, turned into a popular uprising involving peasants, indigenous people, miners, teachers, and other social groups.

Decisions by Bolivia’s new president, who took office just six months ago after nearly 20 years of left-wing dominance, have sparked demonstrations across the country since the start of his term in December 2025, including a decree that eliminated gasoline subsidies.

The protests intensified after peasants and indigenous people accused the government of enacting land laws intended to harm small farmers in favor of large agribusiness interests.

The Bolivian government claims the law was intended to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector, which is facing a severe economic crisis. Under public pressure, the law was repealed, but the protests have continued to grow.

The crackdown on the demonstrations has already resulted in deaths and injuries and the arrest of several leaders.

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.