BOLIVIA: Some 10,000 Bolivian soldiers march on the streets of La Paz on the third of strikes calling on President Evo Morales to implement reforms that would allow equal opportunities for indigenous troops

Record ID: 341577

  • Title: BOLIVIA: Some 10,000 Bolivian soldiers march on the streets of La Paz on the third of strikes calling on President Evo Morales to implement reforms that would allow equal opportunities for indigenous troops
  • Date: 24th April 2014
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF MILITARY MARCHING IN PROTEST VARIOUS OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS WITH FLAGS ACCOMPANYING MILITARY VARIOUS OF MILITANT INDIGENOUS GROUP FROM THE PROVINCE OF OSMASUYOS, PONCHOS ROJOS (RED PONCHOS) MARCHING WITH MILITARY INDIGENOUS FARMERS MARCHING WITH PLACARD WHICH READS: "IN FAVOUR OF THE DECOLONISATION OF THE ARMED FORCES" (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LEADER OF RED PONCHOS,
  • Embargoed: 9th May 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Bolivia, Plurinational State Of
  • Country: Bolivia
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA509TJPL7JGCGS01OZI3DVNF4M
  • Story Text: Some 10,000 lower-ranking Bolivian soldiers marched for the third day in La Paz on Thursday (April 24) demanding to speak directly to President Evo Morales about military reform aimed at opening opportunities for non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
    Thousands of soldiers, who began the strike on Tuesday (April 22), marched peacefully through the Bolivian capital of La Paz. The troops say they are victims of "racism" and "discrimination," claiming they cannot advance in the military. They argue they cannot enroll in the country's elite military academies due to their indigenous backgrounds.
    Bolivian social movements such as the Red Ponchos (Los Ponchos Rojos), a known militant indigenous group from the province of Osmasuyos, joined the chorus of protesters pushing for equality for indigenous soldiers.

    "As social organisations, we want equality. As there is discrimination, we want everyone to be equal according to their training. Many are from rural provinces like ours and those who come from the countryside are always placed in the lower ranks. That is why we want equality," said leader of red ponchos, Pedro Lucara.
    The strike comes following a breakdown in talks between soldiers and their superior officers.
    According to protest leader Johnny Gil Leniz, the president of the Association of NCOs and Sergeants, the group wants to negotiate only with President Evo Morales.
    But Defence Minister Ruben Saavedra has responded by saying the negotiations between the high command and NCOs would continue. He added that the group must follow proper protocol to request an audience with Morales.
    In the streets of La Paz, the residents cheered on the striking soldiers, shouting they had never seen a general or colonel with an indigenous surname.

    "When have you seen a General Mamani, when have you seen a Colonel Choque, Chambi? This has never been seen. Now is the beginning for the people to occupy these positions. Good for you colleagues, the people are with you friends," commented La Paz resident, Alfredo Huanca.
    The demands of the striking soldiers include equal training opportunities with the potential of advancing based on their academic level and eliminating discrimination in the areas of salaries, housing and uniforms.
    The wives of the soldiers were also out in force to support their husbands as they too have suffered from the discrimination within the ranks.

    "We are asking that the law is enforced in a big way and does not go back in time. Today we are victims of persecution, intimidation, and threats that target our families. We are victims of planned disrepute with predetermined abuse and marked hate. What have our families done to deserve bearing these outrages and humiliations. May there be gender equality and a just and decent equity," said protest leader and the president of the Association of NCO's and Sergeants, Johnny Gil Meniz.
    This strike is the first time in Bolivia's history that so many soldiers have protested publicly against the high command.
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