US, Shield of the Americas condemn 'ongoing efforts' to overthrow Bolivia's elected president amid unrest
The United States and other Shield of the Americas nations have condemned "ongoing efforts" to overthrow Bolivia's democratically elected President Rodrigo Paz amid weeks of social unrest. The joint statement, issued by the State Department and several Latin American countries, denounces attempts to block vital supplies and asserts that "mob rule cannot replace the decision that a majority of Bolivians made at the ballot box." The US administration attributes the unrest to drug traffickers and transnational crime, calling for accountability for those funding protests with "dirty money." This comes as Bolivia faces economic inflation, rising fuel prices, and calls for early elections from former President Evo Morales, who is currently evading arrest.