US Stands with Bolivia Against Overthrow Attempts

On Friday, the United States, along with several other nations from the “Shield of the Americas,” condemned the ongoing efforts to dismantle the government of President Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia. They described Paz’s government as “legally and overwhelmingly elected.”

“Members of the American Shield strongly denounce the current attempts aimed at overthrowing the duly elected government of President Paz,” the official statement mentioned. It emphasized support for Paz’s administration as it strives to counteract actions that are hindering the flow of essential goods, including food and medicine, to the Bolivian populace through what they termed “fake roadblocks.”

The statement further asserted that “mob rule cannot supersede the choices made by the majority of Bolivians at the polling station, especially after a lengthy period of corrupt governance.”

Officials highlighted the need for accountability for those financing the protests with illicit funds derived from drug trafficking and transnational crime. They urged individuals with legitimate concerns to engage in dialogue rather than allow their cause to be exploited by those aiming to reclaim power.

The joint statement issued by the State Department included support from several countries, such as Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador, among others.

This press release emerged in the context of La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, experiencing significant social unrest, characterized by extensive protests blocking major thoroughfares amid economic troubles and escalating fuel costs.

Meanwhile, Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas resigned earlier this week, a development linked to the ongoing protests. Since assuming office, President Paz had promoted a land reform initiative aimed at encouraging agribusiness, a move that indigenous farmers argue could lead to their displacement. Further complicating matters, the removal of fuel subsidies resulted in price hikes nearing 90%, prompting complaints from motorists about gasoline contamination damaging their vehicles.

Former President Evo Morales, who led the country for 14 years, is now advocating for early elections, asserting that Paz has limited options left: either to militarize the situation or to proceed with elections within the next 90 days.

Morales has been in hiding for nearly two years in an area associated with coca cultivation, facing an arrest warrant over charges of human trafficking involving a minor. He has consistently denied these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.

In a recent statement, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the U.S. commitment to support Bolivia in resisting any resurgence of narco-terrorist influence in the region. “We will keep backing our A3C partners, like Bolivia, to ensure that narco-terrorists do not profit from violence and chaos in our hemisphere,” he stated.