Bolivia is grappling with a national crisis as anti-government protests turn deadly, claiming multiple lives and threatening the country’s fragile stability.

At least four first responders—three police officers and a firefighter—have lost their lives in confrontations between protesters and authorities.

Justice Minister Cesar Siles confirmed the deaths, stating that some officers were reportedly shot.

The violent turn has shifted the government’s view of the protests, with Siles describing the situation as involving “paramilitary groups” that require a firm response.

The protests are fueled largely by supporters of former President Evo Morales, who was barred from contesting the upcoming August 17 election by the electoral tribunal.

Morales’ supporters argue that his disqualification is politically motivated and unjust, deepening tensions within the ruling MAS party.

Bolivia’s economic situation has worsened, with high inflation and dwindling foreign reserves intensifying public frustration.

Many citizens feel abandoned by a government they believe has failed to uphold the country’s once-celebrated economic model. Morales warned that without urgent change, Bolivia risks falling into “total collapse.”

The government’s response has become increasingly militarized, with tanks and heavily armed security forces deployed to affected areas.

Businesses have been forced to shut down, and transportation has come to a standstill, disrupting daily life and economic activities.

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In Nixing EV Standards, Trump Strikes at Two Foes: California and Elon Musk

In a move with far-reaching environmental and political consequences, President Donald Trump has officially rolled back federal recognition of California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates.

With this decision, Trump not only dismantled key climate goals established under the Biden administration but also took aim at two familiar opponents: the state of California and tech mogul Elon Musk.

At a ceremonial signing event, Trump nullified rules that would have required California—and other states following its lead—to significantly increase the share of zero-emission vehicles.

Under the now-repealed standards, 35 percent of all new vehicle sales in California would have needed to be emission-free by 2026, with that figure rising to 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035.

Trump cast the previous rules as a dangerous overreach by environmental extremists and accused the Biden administration of outsourcing American auto policy to California.

“Under the previous administration, the federal government gave left-wing radicals in California dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry all over the country — all over the world, actually,” Trump said.

“This horrible scheme would effectively abolish the internal combustion engine, which most people prefer.”

The former president warned that forcing electric vehicles onto the market would lead to soaring energy costs and strain power grids.

“Energy prices would likewise soar as the radical left forced more electric vehicles onto the grid while blocking approvals for new power plants,” he added. “The result would be rolling blackouts and a collapse of our power systems.”

The decision triggered an immediate backlash from California’s leadership, with Governor Gavin Newsom vowing to fight back.

“Trump’s all-out assault on California continues,” a spokesperson for Newsom said.

“We are suing to stop this latest illegal action by a President who is a wholly owned subsidiary of big polluters.” California, along with several other states that follow its environmental standards, has already filed lawsuits to preserve their autonomy in setting stricter emissions goals.

The rollback also marks a sharp blow to Elon Musk, whose electric vehicle company, Tesla, stands to lose significant ground under a weakened regulatory framework.

Once seen as an unlikely ally of Trump, Musk has since become a vocal critic. Trump, in turn, mocked the billionaire during the announcement, saying, “Now, I know why Elon doesn’t like me so much. Which he does, actually.”

He continued, “I used to say, ‘I’m amazed that he’s endorsing me,’ because that can’t be good for him. He makes electric cars, and we’re saying, ‘You’re not going to be able to make electric cars. You can make them, but it’ll be by the market.’”

Trump also hinted at expanding tariffs on imported vehicles beyond the current 25 percent.

“If they want a Mercedes-Benz, you’re going to have it made here,” he said. “Otherwise, they’re going to pay a very big tariff. I might go up with that tariff in the not-too-distant future.”

The significance of Trump’s move goes beyond partisan battles. For decades, California has set the pace for U.S. environmental standards, with 17 states typically adopting its emissions benchmarks.

Repealing California’s EV mandate and federal fuel economy rules effectively stalls national momentum for cleaner transportation and undermines confidence in the EV market.

Environmental groups describe it as a direct attack on efforts to curb climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Tesla, which has thrived under policies that incentivize electric vehicles, now faces a political and economic climate increasingly hostile to its business model.

The rollback, combined with the removal of federal EV tax credits and expanded tariffs, could dampen demand and make electric cars less affordable for American consumers.

The United States has significantly reduced its aid to Africa, with a proposed $49.1 billion cut in foreign aid for 2026, targeting global health, education, and agriculture.

The African Development Fund faces a $555 million cut, while UN peacekeeping missions have been defunded.

This move comes as the Trump administration pushes for “burden sharing” with African armies, asking them to take on more defence responsibilities.

The cuts will severely impact humanitarian efforts, particularly in countries struggling with conflict, hunger, and natural disasters.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the US spent $910 million on food, water, sanitation, and shelter for over seven million displaced persons. Without this aid, 7.8 million people may lose food aid, and 2.3 million children risk facing deadly malnutrition.

The Sahel region, described as the “epicentre of terrorism” by US Africa Command chief Gen Michael Langley, faces significant security threats from jihadist groups.

These groups aim to gain access to West African coasts, finance operations through smuggling and human trafficking, and pose a risk to both African nations and US shores.

Langley has admitted that the current upsurge in militant attacks is “deeply concerning”.

The US is reining in its sub-Saharan military operations, with plans to reduce its 6,500-strong personnel deployment in Africa.

Some military installations, including the drone base in Agadez, Niger, have already been shut down.

Gen Langley emphasizes building African nations’ self-reliance to confront terrorism and insurgencies independently.

Data modelling suggests that the USAID cuts could push 5.7 million Africans into extreme poverty next year and reduce economic growth by $4.6 billion by 2030.

The cuts may also drive African nations closer to rival powers like China and Russia.

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Jamaica will host the Forty-ninth (49th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from July 6-8 in Montego Bay.

The Meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Media partners interested in covering the Meeting are invited to apply for accreditation through the CARICOM registration link: https://register.caricom.org/view.php?id=46900.

The deadline for accreditation is Monday, June 23, 2025.

The Meeting will bring together regional leaders to discuss key issues affecting the Caribbean Community.

The Conference provides a platform for CARICOM Member States to share ideas, collaborate, and make decisions that promote the region’s development and prosperity.

The 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Caribbean Community.