Bolivia Condemns U.S. Reward for Maduro’s Arrest
Bolivian President Luis Arce sharply criticized the United States government’s recent increase of a reward to 50 million dollars for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, labeling it an “unacceptable insult” and a manifestation of “colonialist tactics,” on August 9, 2025, reports 24brussels.
In a social media statement, Arce declared: “We condemn the unacceptable insult from the U.S. government against our brother President Nicolás Maduro.” He emphasized that “offering a reward for the capture of a democratically elected president is a colonialist act, an aggression against the sovereignty and dignity of Venezuela and its people.”
This latest move follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s announcement on August 8, doubling the prior 25 million dollar reward introduced in January, which Bondi described as “historic.” She accused Maduro of being one of the largest drug traffickers globally and a significant threat to U.S. national security, while asserting that the Department of Justice has confiscated over 700 million dollars in assets allegedly linked to him, including private aircraft and various vehicles.
Arce’s remarks received backing from former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who called the U.S. demands “new threats” against Maduro. Morales stated that “the empire aims to act as the world’s policeman with the sole purpose of seizing the natural resources of a wealthy country like Venezuela.”
Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019 and was an ally of both Hugo Chávez and Maduro, reinforced this partnership at the onset of Arce’s presidency. The recent surge in diplomatic relations was highlighted when Arce hosted Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil during Bolivia’s bicentennial independence celebrations, reflecting a united front against perceived external aggression.
The political tension underscores the complex interplay of regional alliances and the ongoing scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, particularly regarding issues of sovereignty and democratic governance.
