US, Latin American allies denounce 'attempts to overthrow' Bolivia's government

An alliance of the United States and conservative Latin American governments has denounced what it calls "continuous attempts to overthrow" the government of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. The "Shield of the Americas" coalition, formed to combat drug trafficking, issued a statement condemning the opposition protests and road blockades that have disrupted the country since May 6.

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

The alliance described the blockades as "cynical efforts to impede the delivery of food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the Bolivian people." It further alleged that certain individuals are financing these protests with "dirty money from drug trafficking" and vowed that these individuals would "be held accountable."

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

The statement asserted that "anarchy cannot replace the decision" made by Bolivians at the polls last year when they overwhelmingly elected Paz and chose to "leave behind two decades of corrupt governments." The coalition also urged those with "legitimate grievances" to engage in dialogue with the government and denounce those who exploit their causes to regain power, a clear allusion to former President Evo Morales (2006-2019).

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dirty money from drug trafficking

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. The ongoing protests, led by groups such as the Federation of Peasants of La Paz Tupac Katari, the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), and Morales' supporters, are demanding Paz's resignation. Reports indicate that at least ten people have died during the protests, seven due to lack of timely medical attention caused by the blockades, and three in clashes, including a protester shot during a de-blocking operation.

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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.