Bolivia has announced the signing of a new cooperation agreement with the United States aimed at combating drug trafficking.
The Bolivian Foreign Ministry revealed that the United States will allocate up to $20 million (£15 million) to train and equip Bolivian forces as part of a collaborative effort against drug smuggling.
The agreement marks a significant shift in relations between the two nations, occurring 18 years after former President Evo Morales expelled the US Drug Enforcement Administration from Bolivia, which is recognized as the world’s third-largest coca producer, the primary ingredient for cocaine.
Under the leadership of centrist President Rodrigo Paz, Bolivia has aligned itself with the Shield of the Americas, a US-led security initiative in the Western Hemisphere.
The US embassy confirmed its commitment to work closely with Bolivia, providing training, equipment, and various forms of support.
The Bolivian Foreign Ministry stated that the purpose of the agreement is to bolster institutions responsible for public security, criminal investigations, and the fight against organized crime.
The deal was signed in La Paz shortly after President Paz appointed Ernesto Justiniano, the country’s “drug czar,” as the new defense minister.
In March, President Paz participated in the inaugural “Shield of the Americas” summit in Florida alongside 12 other regional leaders, hosted by US President Donald Trump.
The coalition has shown strong support for Paz amid ongoing anti-government protests in Bolivia.
On May 21, member countries released a joint statement expressing their solidarity with the Bolivian government and voicing concern over protests and road blockades that threaten constitutional order and stability.
The coalition’s primary focus is on combating “narco-terrorism.”
As part of his commitment to prevent drugs from reaching US shores, President Trump has directed US forces to target vessels suspected of smuggling illegal substances.
Since early September, more than 200 individuals have reportedly died in US strikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. Some legal experts have raised concerns that these strikes may violate international law.
In the latest incident reported by US Southern Command (Southcom) on Tuesday, one person was killed while two others survived.
Southcom stated that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” although no evidence has been publicly disclosed.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong