Latin American News Roundup June
As specialist logistics service providers to and from the region, Envío has summarised a few recent items of Latin American news from the month of June.
Bolivia – A Failed Coup
In La Paz, the Bolivian presidential palace was stormed by soldiers as part of an attempted coup by breakaway military chiefs. The leader, General Juan José Zúñiga, said he wanted to restructure democracy in the country and change the government. There were no reports of serious injuries or deaths and the general was later arrested.
Cuba – A Visit By Russian Warships
A fleet of Russian warships stationed themselves at the port of Havana, during a five-day visit to Cuba. The fleet included a nuclear-powered submarine. During the short stay, US officials stated that they did not see the visit as a threat, but were monitoring the vessels closely and subsequently docked a submarine at the US Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The vessels have now left the caribbean country, with some locals reported to have been waving Russian flags during the departure.
Haiti – New Government Formed
A new government has been formed in Haiti as it tries to restore order. The new cabinet replaces all ministers previously appointed by former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was forced to step down by the gangs. The formation of this new government brings hope that some political stability can return to a country consumed by violence for many months.
Mexico – New President Breaks The Glass Ceiling
Having won the recent national election to become the first female president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum still has to wait a few months before she can occupy the National Palace. Wherever her six years in power lead the country, she will always now be known as the woman who broke the glass ceiling in Mexican politics – a country deeply entrenched in machismo.
Peru – Port Dispute With Chinese Carrier Eases
Peru has now asked a judge to withdraw its previous request to stop COSCO’s exclusive rights to operate Chancay port. We covered this dispute with an article last month, whereby the Chinese carrier had started building the new mega port with an agreement to have exclusive operational rights over it. Peru had then claimed this was an administrative error in the contract and were seeking removal of this clause through the courts. It now appears that, after a meeting between the two governments, tensions have cooled.
