Political crisis halts Tearfund's work in Bolivia

Political turmoil in Bolivia has put a halt on much of Tearfund’s work, as our team there ask for prayers for peace and security.

National elections were held on 20 October, but the results were disputed by many. Throughout November, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major cities to demand a new vote. 

For 19 days clashes between President Evo Morales’ supporters and government opponents led to several deaths and many roads being blocked. Morales then resigned and sought asylum in Mexico. On 12 November Jeanine Áñez declared herself interim president, pledging new elections in early 2020.

Deep crisis
Tearfund’s partner organisations have been forced to suspend their activities. This includes their Church and Community Transformation (CCT) work, where churches help families and young people learn about healthy relationships. This is incredibly important, as in some of the areas where we work in Bolivia there are dangerously high levels of violence, sexual abuse and gang culture.
 
‘What is happening is incomprehensible,’ says Efrain Piuca, Tearfund’s Project Manager for Bolivia. ‘It is a difficult and complicated time for Bolivia with great economic losses. The political crisis is very deep.
 
‘At such a time of uncertainty I fear for the future for my daughter and all children here. We pray life would return to normal soon and that we have peace.’

PLEASE PRAY

• Thank God that the protests in Bolivia have eased off in recent days.
• Pray for peace during the ongoing political change process, and the proposed elections next year.
• Ask God to guide and protect Tearfund’s staff, partners and all the people in churches we are working with.