The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States continues to closely follow developments in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. The country has recently faced a delicate moment marked by a fragile political and social environment, which the Government effectively managed through dialogue and institutional channels, while maintaining public order and respecting democratic principles. At this juncture, it is essential that the democratic will of the Bolivian people, as expressed through constitutional and electoral processes, be fully respected, and that democratic dialogue continues to be the preferred means of resolving social and political tensions.
On September 3, the OAS Permanent Council received the report of the High-Level Mission of the Member States of the OAS to the Plurinational State of Bolivia, deployed in late July to support efforts to resolve tensions. The report was developed on the basis of extensive consultations with state authorities, social organizations, representatives of Indigenous peoples, civil society actors, productive sectors, and other stakeholders across the country.
The Mission's findings revealed important areas of convergence among diverse sectors of Bolivian society. One of the most important recommendations is to preserve dialogue as the principal avenue for addressing differences and advancing legitimate social, political, and economic demands. The strengthening of democratic coexistence requires participatory spaces that allow all sectors of society to contribute constructively to consensus-building and national development.
Building on the recommendations of the report, the General Secretariat calls on all political, social, and institutional actors to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and democratic engagement. The General Secretariat also calls for all sectors to work together to seek solutions within the constitutional framework. Differences must be addressed through dialogue and institutional channels, not through confrontation or actions that deepen polarization.
The General Secretariat further calls on all actors to refrain from prolonged blockades and other actions that disrupt essential services, restrict freedom of movement, or adversely affect the daily lives of citizens. As highlighted by the High-Level Mission, the protection of social peace and democracy requires the continued commitment of all stakeholders to peaceful means of participation and respect for democratic institutions.
In this context, OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin held a productive meeting with Bolivia's Minister of the Presidency, Fernando Aramayo, and Minister of Defense, Ernesto Justiniano Urenda. They reviewed the outcomes of the High-Level Mission and discussed the next steps for implementing its recommendations. The Secretary General reaffirmed the Organization's unequivocal support for Bolivian democracy, the will of its people, and the country's political and social stability.
They discussed options for the General Secretariat's support in the implementation of the recommendations.
In that sense, and as part of the OAS's follow-up to the findings and recommendations of the High-Level Mission, government representatives and the Secretary General also discussed the deployment of an OAS High-Level Political Mission in the coming weeks. The mission will seek to facilitate consultations with key stakeholders across Bolivian society, deepen engagement with the Legislative and Judicial branches, and support the development of practical roadmaps aimed at strengthening dialogue, democratic governance, and social peace. This effort reflects the Organization's continued commitment to accompanying Bolivia in the implementation of the Mission's recommendations and promoting consensus through democratic and constitutional means.
Similarly, the Secretary General and the Bolivian ministers advanced plans to deploy an in-country police mission through the OAS Inter-American Network for Police Development and Professionalization (REDPPOL). The initiative will facilitate the participation of 100 specialists from across the region to strengthen local capacities for preventing and managing social conflicts and crises.
At this important moment, as Bolivia has an opportunity to advance a path of dialogue, democratic coexistence, and national understanding, the General Secretariat remains steadfast in its commitment to accompany Bolivia in its efforts to strengthen democracy, preserve constitutional order, and promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all Bolivians. It also will continue to support Bolivia's institutions and its constitutionally elected Government in their efforts to ensure democratic governance and social peace.
Reference: E-097/26
