The United States, in collaboration with the Shield of the Americas, has issued a strong condemnation of efforts to destabilize the government of Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz. This statement comes amid significant unrest in Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, where protests have erupted due to economic inflation and rising fuel prices.
International Support for Bolivia
The joint statement from the Shield of the Americas, which includes countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Panama, emphasized support for President Paz’s democratically elected government. The coalition criticized attempts to disrupt the delivery of essential supplies through what they described as ‘fake road blockades’ and called for accountability for those using ‘dirty money’ from drug trafficking to fund the protests.
The statement further urged those with legitimate grievances to engage in dialogue with the government, rather than allowing their causes to be manipulated by those seeking to regain power through unlawful means.
Domestic Challenges and Reactions
President Paz has faced significant challenges since taking office, including backlash from indigenous farmers over a land reform bill and public discontent following the removal of fuel subsidies, which led to a dramatic increase in fuel prices. The unrest has been further fueled by accusations from the Trump administration that drug traffickers are inciting the protests.
Former President Evo Morales, who has been evading an arrest warrant on charges he claims are politically motivated, has called for early elections, suggesting that President Paz has limited options to resolve the crisis.
US Commitment to Stability
In a related development, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Bolivia through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). Hegseth emphasized the importance of preventing narco-terrorists from exploiting the situation for their gain, highlighting the US’s role in maintaining stability in the region.
The ongoing situation in Bolivia remains tense, with international and domestic actors closely monitoring developments as the government seeks to navigate the complex challenges it faces.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
