ABSTRACT

The presidential campaign of Jaime Paz Zamora included promises to 'roll back' the neo-liberal reforms introduced by Paz Estenssoro. His failure to do so disillusioned many in the population, particularly in the western part of Bolivia. Opposition to the neo-liberal economic model, especially to foreign investment in mining, started to grow and solidify. The rights-based criticism became stronger in 1991 when Bolivia became a signatory to the International Labour Organisation Convention 169 on the Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. Conflict at Challapata broke out in December 1993 and reached a climax in January and February 1994 with a blockade, physical confrontation, and the death of at least one individual. The conflict at Amayapampa broke out in December 1996 towards the end of the Goni administration. Difficulties developed between the union leadership at the mine and the company. The problems arose, at least in part, from the history of labour organisations and conflict in the region.