US, Latin American Allies Denounce 'Attempts to Overthrow' Bolivia's Government

The "Shield of the Americas," an alliance formed by the United States and several conservative Latin American governments to combat drug trafficking, has condemned what it calls "continuous attempts to overthrow" Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. The group issued a statement denouncing the opposition's protests and road blockades.

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The member countries of the Shield of the Americas denounce the continuous attempts to overthrow the government of President Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia, legitimately elected by an overwhelming majority.

"The member countries of the Shield of the Americas denounce the continuous attempts to overthrow the government of President Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia, legitimately elected by an overwhelming majority," the statement read. The alliance characterized the road blockades as "cynical efforts to prevent the delivery of food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the Bolivian people." They also alleged that these protests are funded by "dirty money from drug trafficking" and warned that those responsible will "be held accountable."

The alliance asserted that "anarchy cannot replace the decision" made by Bolivians at the ballot box last year when they chose Paz as president, aiming to "leave behind two decades of corrupt governments." They added that individuals with "legitimate grievances" should engage in dialogue with the government and denounce those who exploit their causes to regain power, a clear reference to former President Evo Morales (2006-2019).

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The cynical efforts to prevent the delivery of food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the Bolivian people.

The "Shield of the Americas" was founded in March and includes the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Road blockades, initiated on May 6, are supported by the La Paz Tupac Katari Federation of Farmers, the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), and Evo Morales supporters, who demand Paz's resignation. At least 10 people have died amid the conflicts, seven from lack of timely medical attention due to the blockades, and three others in protest-related incidents.

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Anarchy cannot replace the decision that Bolivians made at the polls last year to choose Paz as president and leave behind two decades of corrupt governments.