The United States, alongside other member nations of the Shield of the Americas, issued a joint statement on Thursday expressing support for Bolivia's government. This comes amid protests and roadblocks that the coalition claims are intended to "undermine the constitutional order and destabilize the democratically elected government" of President Rodrigo Paz.
Released by the State Department on May 21, the statement was endorsed by the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The declaration highlights that the blockades are preventing fuel and medical supplies from reaching many Bolivians. It confirms that member countries have been providing humanitarian aid to the Bolivian people.
Protesters are urged to voice their grievances "peacefully and respect democratic institutions," while the statement emphasizes that "when protesters resort to violence, the government has a legitimate interest in legally maintaining public order."
One of the most forceful sections of the statement links the protests to organized crime: "We cannot allow the overthrow of democratically elected leaders in our hemisphere, especially when supported by criminals and drug traffickers."
The statement also defends Paz's administration, noting that the president is "working to repair the damaged economy and institutions he inherited after years of mismanagement," directly referencing the previous governments under the Movement for Socialism led by Evo Morales.
Protests in Bolivia began in early May, centered in La Paz and El Alto, driven by demands for a 20% wage increase, improved fuel supply, and opposition to Law 1720. These protests have escalated to calls for the president's resignation.
Rodrigo Paz Pereira assumed office after winning the presidential runoff on October 19, 2025, with approximately 54.5% of the vote, defeating Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga in Bolivia's first-ever runoff election. An economist and former mayor of Tarija, Paz is the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora. He ran under the Christian Democratic Party with a platform of "capitalism for all," representing a shift towards center-right policies and closer alignment with Washington.
The Shield of the Americas was launched by Donald Trump on March 7, 2026, at a summit held at the Trump National Doral Miami. Its stated goals are to combat drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, curb irregular migration, and counter the influence of China, Russia, and Iran in the hemisphere.
As a founding member of the coalition, Bolivia, which captured drug trafficker Sebastián Marset in March, underscores the international support for Paz's government within the context of the fight against organized crime.
The statement concludes by reaffirming the bloc's commitment: "The Shield of the Americas is dedicated to enhancing cooperation throughout the Western Hemisphere and supporting democracy, security, and the well-being of our region."
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolivia's Political Situation
What is the Shield of the Americas?
The Shield of the Americas is an international coalition launched by Donald Trump in 2026, aiming to combat drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and counter the influence of China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
Why are there protests in Bolivia?
The protests in Bolivia began due to demands for a 20% wage increase, better fuel supply, and opposition to Law 1720. These have escalated to calls for President Rodrigo Paz's resignation.
Who is Rodrigo Paz Pereira?
Rodrigo Paz Pereira is the current President of Bolivia, who took office after winning the presidential runoff in 2025. He is an economist, former mayor of Tarija, and the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora.