Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) permitting the temporary presence of United States military and civilian personnel in the country.
The deal, backed by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, passed with 53 votes in favour, eight against and four abstentions. It now awaits Peña’s signature to enter into force.
The agreement, signed in Washington in December, establishes a legal framework for US personnel conducting training, joint exercises and humanitarian assistance in Paraguay.
Key developments:
• 53–8 vote in Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies approving the US–Paraguay SOFA defence agreement.
• The treaty grants US authorities criminal jurisdiction over their personnel while stationed in Paraguay.
• Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the accord as “historic.”
• Officials say the agreement supports counter-terrorism, disaster response and organised crime cooperation.
Some legislators and civil society groups raised sovereignty concerns, particularly over provisions granting foreign personnel legal protections similar to diplomatic immunity.
Opposition lawmaker Raúl Benítez warned that international cooperation must still respect national sovereignty and institutions.
ℹ️ AP News
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