Bolivia
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Bolivia sells $1bn of gold reserves in forward contracts to shore up finances
In recent months, the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) has executed forward contracts on gold worth nearly $1bn, raising questions about the legal framework, transparency of operations and long-term implications for the economy.
Legal cocaine and oil ban could save the Amazon, says Colombia’s president
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for ending petroleum extraction in the Amazon region and legalising cocaine production to preserve the world's largest tropical rainforest
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EU pushes trade pacts with Mexico and Mercosur
The European Union has thrown its weight behind two major Latin American trade agreements, formally launching the ratification process for deals with Mercosur and Mexico despite sustained resistance from agricultural nations and farmers.
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Bolivia releases opposition figure Camacho after three years in detention
Luis Fernando Camacho, the suspended governor of Santa Cruz and a central figure of Bolivia’s opposition, was freed on August 29 after spending almost three years in preventive detention.
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End of Bolivia's leftist era leaves Chinese and Russian lithium deals in limbo
Bolivia’s October presidential run-off has become a contest not only between two political traditions but also over the management of the country’s vast but underdeveloped lithium resources.
Bolivia heads to first presidential run-off after collapse of leftist dominance
With over 92% of tally sheets processed, senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) leads with around 32% of the vote, followed by former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Libre alliance with just under 27%.
Bolivia votes as left faces its deepest crisis in two decades
Bolivians are casting their ballots today, 17 August, in an election that could reshape the country’s political and economic trajectory after nearly two decades of leftist rule.
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Bolivia faces historic election amid economic crisis and political split
Bolivia heads to the polls on August 17 in what could become the first presidential election in its history to be decided in a second round by popular vote, reflecting a fractured political field and deep economic instability.
INTERVIEW: Former US official on America's lost authority as Global South acts on Gaza
As Gaza's death toll passes 61,000, nations meeting in Bogotá pledge concrete measures to halt arms flows to Israel. Ex-US official Annelle Sheline, who resigned over Washington's Gaza policy, calls it a turning point for the Global South.
ECLAC raises Latin America growth forecast to 2.2% but warns of prolonged slowdown
The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has lifted its 2025 regional growth estimate to 2.2% from a previous 2.0% projection, whilst acknowledging that economic expansion remains constrained by global volatility
COMMENT: Can BRICS deliver beyond the rhetoric? experts weigh in
BRICS has evolved from an emerging economies club into a coalition Trump sees as threatening enough to warrant tariffs. Experts reveal tensions between China's dominance and multipolar goals, with institutional gaps but growing Global South support.
COMMENT: Bogotá summit marks Global South’s legal break with the West over Gaza
At the Bogotá summit, the Global South takes charge – no longer waiting for Western permission to enforce international law. From South Africa’s ICJ case to Colombia cutting ties with Israel, countries are defying US pressure over Gaza.
Renewable energy surge puts Latin America on track for climate leadership
Latin America stands at a critical juncture in its energy evolution, with its largest economies showing both remarkable progress in renewable adoption and persistent challenges in weaning themselves off fossil fuels.
BRICS leaders gather in Rio to challenge Western dominance
Leaders from the BRICS group have convened in Rio de Janeiro for their 17th annual summit, casting the expanded bloc as a counterweight to Western institutions whilst grappling with internal divisions over key geopolitical flashpoints.