Trump: endemic corruption in Bolivia continues to favour drug trafficking
Trump maintains Bolivia on the list of countries failing to meet anti-narcotics obligations, but grants an aid waiver. He acknowledges progress with the Paz government, although warns that corruption persists.
Bolivia remains on US anti-drug blacklist despite aid waiver
According to erbol.com.bo, United States President Donald Trump maintains Bolivia among the countries that have not fulfilled their obligations in the fight against drug trafficking, in the official determination that decides which nations receive US economic assistance for 2027.
"Corruption in Bolivia continues to facilitate drug trafficking and hinder investigations," reads the text signed by Trump. The president also noted that the new government of Rodrigo Paz "has not yet had sufficient time to reduce coca cultivation, which increased under the previous administration".
Nevertheless, Trump highlighted the opening of a new phase in bilateral relations with Bolivia "after decades of inept socialist governments", celebrating the restoration of police coordination between the two countries. As an example of "growing friendship and cooperation", the document mentions the extradition to the United States of the person considered a "narcoterrorist", Sebastián Marset.
Bolivia shares the list with Colombia and Myanmar, but all three countries received a waiver allowing them to continue as recipients of US aid.
Trump left open the possibility of improving Bolivia's status if the country "manages to demonstrate progress in reducing illicit drug production over the next year and makes substantial progress in combating the endemic corruption that weakens the country".
Source: Google News BO — Crime