Key facts
- The US is increasing emergency assistance to Bolivia for food and medical shortages.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed US support for President Rodrigo Paz Pereira's constitutional government.
- The US warned against narco-terrorist dominance and attempts to overthrow democratically elected leaders.
- Protests and road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
- Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas resigned amid the turmoil.
- President Paz has called for dialogue and authorized joint police and military operations to clear roads.
The United States is increasing emergency assistance to Bolivia to address food and medical shortages amid weeks of social unrest and warnings of a coup d'état. Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated the US commitment to supporting President Rodrigo Paz Pereira's constitutional government, warning against narco-terrorist dominance and the overthrow of democratically elected leaders. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated the US is ramping up emergency assistance and logistics operations support to help those facing shortages due to illegal roadblocks intended to destabilize Bolivian society. The protests, which began with a workers' strike in May, have expanded into road blockades cutting off access to La Paz and El Alto, home to about 2 million people. Protesters, including labor unions, peasant groups, miners, and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding the government reverse austerity measures, address rising living costs, and guarantee fuel and food supplies. The Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) has called for Paz's resignation, citing failure to govern effectively. The Bolivian Highway Administration reported 84 roadblocks nationwide on June 4. President Paz has called for dialogue and appointed Ernesto Justiniano as defense minister following Marcelo Salinas's resignation, tasking him with restoring normalcy. Paz accused some protesters of dividing the country through lies and violence while emphasizing his commitment to democracy and dialogue. The crisis is an early test for Paz, whose election in October 2025 ended two decades of left-wing rule.