The Six Federations of the Tropic of Cochabamba announced that they will establish an exclusive bank for their region. The decision comes after the closure of several financial agencies, especially Banco Unión. They argue that the government is seeking to economically suffocate Chapare for political reasons.
They claim that without banking entities, they can't carry out exports or receive income. According to their leaders, they are being punished for supporting Evo Morales.
Dieter Mendoza, one of the main spokespersons for the sector, was the one who made the announcement official. He stated that "not only businesspeople or the oligarchy can have their own banks".
He added that his comrades also have the right to an independent financial institution. He emphasized that the objective is to support producers "economically hit" by the state. His message was delivered during a conference on Thursday night.
The coca growers claim that the closure of banks is part of a broader economic blockade. They also denounce the intention to cut basic services such as electricity and water in their region.
Mendoza accused the government of acting as "an enemy of the people of the Tropic". He insisted that this situation is unacceptable and can't be allowed any longer. He promised that their struggle will continue until their rights are restored.
They can't export "their products"
In previous days, Evo Morales also referred to the issue. He accused President Luis Arce of applying measures similar to those of Trump against Palestine. He stated that his region is "isolated" due to the lack of financial institutions.
According to Morales, every attempt at export is halted for that reason. However, his message omitted mention of the blockades promoted by his supporters.
Within the framework of these protests, at least five deaths were reported. Four of the victims were police officers who were attempting to clear roads. There were also reports of attacks on ambulances and looting of public facilities.
Despite this, Morales downplayed the events and justified the actions of his followers. He said that the mobilization is a response to "hunger" and political exclusion.
Drug trafficking money
Meanwhile, harsh criticism of Chapare's banking initiative has emerged from the opposition. The departmental president of Libre in Santa Cruz, Ernesto Choco Serrate, denounced an attempt to launder drug trafficking money.
Serrate stated that the funds for the new bank will come from illegal activities. He warned that the so-called "Chapare dollar" is already circulating as an irregular remittance. He called on the state to stop this plan, which, according to him, consolidates a parallel state.
In addition, Serrate maintained that this project reveals the true face of the coca growers' movement. He stated that it is not about economic inclusion but about shielding the millions from drug trafficking. He denounced that the lack of oversight will allow suspicious operations to be legitimized.
He also criticized the government's silence in the face of these warnings. He demanded that the authorities immediately investigate the origin of the funds.
