AGP Executive Report

Fuel Protests & Political Pressure: Bolivia’s president Rodrigo Paz faces escalating unrest after an IMF-linked diesel price hike sparked road blockades and clashes with security forces, with agricultural producers in Santa Cruz and other sectors demanding the decree be repealed. Investigations & Drug-Trafficking Allegations: Prosecutors are probing former political adviser Fernando Cerimedo after his arrest at Viru Viru airport, following the shooting of activist Nadia Beller, while regional reporting also highlights how US officials and Latin American politics intersect with drug-trafficking investigations. Same-Sex Marriage Milestone: Bolivia’s first same-sex marriage is reported as a court win that could open doors for more couples and activists. Disaster Response: Bolivia activated emergency aid as snowfall and rain affected more than 120,000 families across multiple regions. Economy & Dialogue: Rodrigo Paz is pushing a national development pact to revive the economy, even as a “zombie government” narrative grows amid political crisis. Regional Resources: Bolivia joins Chile, Argentina, and Peru in a strategic minerals declaration aimed at reshaping supply chains. Culture & Community: A five-year restoration project begins for Bolivia’s most visited museum, alongside local travel and cultural coverage spotlighting La Paz.

Fuel Protests & Political Crisis: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faces widening unrest after an IMF-linked diesel price hike for large users, triggering road blockades in Santa Cruz and clashes with security forces, as producers demand repeal and warn disruptions could spread. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate on copper and lithium, aiming for stronger supply chains, shared geological work, and more value-added development. Drug-Trafficking Politics: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a photo tied Rubio to a Bolivian delegation that included Fernando Cerimedo, who is under investigation in Bolivia for drug-related cases. Bolivia’s “Zombie Government” Fallout: Rodrigo Paz is also under mounting political pressure tied to a growing adviser scandal and calls for a national development pact to revive the economy. ICE Deportations: The US announced deportations of people convicted of serious crimes, including a deported man from Bolivia, as Washington doubles down on enforcement.

Fuel Protests in Bolivia: President Rodrigo Paz is facing escalating unrest after an IMF-linked diesel price hike for large users, sparking road blockades in Santa Cruz and wider pressure from producers and transport unions. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate copper and lithium development, aiming for stronger supply chains and joint research. Bolivia TV Switch-Off: ATT says phase 1 of the analogue TV shutdown will be completed Aug. 28 in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, moving viewers to digital terrestrial TV. Regional Political Fallout: Coverage also highlights Bolivia’s role in a wider Latin America political-media and election meddling story involving detained strategist Fernando Cerimedo. Culture & Language: A Quechua-language film project, “Runa Simi,” spotlights Indigenous language preservation, with Quechua speakers across Peru and Bolivia. Co-op Journalism Spotlight: DW Akademie’s Festival Gabo featured discussion on media cooperatives and how they sustain trust and independence as they grow.

Fuel Protests & Political Pressure: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faced escalating unrest after a diesel price hike for large users (from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter) tied to an IMF-linked $1.9 billion credit sparked road blockades in Santa Cruz and beyond, with tear gas used to clear highways and producers issuing ultimatums. Strategic Minerals Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a joint declaration to coordinate on copper and lithium, aiming for stronger supply chains, shared geological work, and multilateral support as demand from the energy transition and AI rises. Mining & TV Milestones: Bolivia completed phase 1 of its analogue TV switch-off in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, moving to digital terrestrial broadcasts. Regional Finance: IDB Invest backed up to $700m for Posco’s lithium expansion in Argentina’s Sal de Oro project, reinforcing the wider Lithium Triangle race. Bolivia in the Spotlight: A Porterville-area artist’s work was featured in the “Bolivia Moon Agreement” student lunar governance project, linking culture and space law.

Fuel Protests & Impeachment Pressure: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz is facing mounting political fallout as violent road blockades erupted over an IMF-linked diesel price hike for large users, with Santa Cruz producers and transport unions clashing with security forces while officials say the increase is tied to a $1.9 billion credit. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate investment and supply chains for copper and lithium, aiming to strengthen the region’s role in the energy transition. Mining & TV Policy: Bolivia is completing phase 1 of its analogue TV switch-off in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, moving fully to digital terrestrial broadcasts. International Spotlight on Bolivia: A U.S. travel advisory keeps Bolivia at Level 2 but flags Chapare Province as higher risk due to narcotrafficking-linked crime, while chikungunya concerns continue in parts of the country. Regional Security & Justice: Separate reporting highlights Fernando Cerimedo’s detention in Bolivia amid allegations tied to election interference and attempted femicide, as legal pressure spreads across borders.

Fuel Protests & Political Pressure: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz is facing escalating unrest after a diesel price hike for large users, tied to an IMF-linked $1.9 billion credit, sparked road blockades in Santa Cruz and beyond; security forces used tear gas as producers demanded repeal and threatened wider disruptions. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate on copper and lithium, aiming for stronger supply chains, shared technical work, and multilateral support to boost energy-transition readiness. ATT TV Switch-Off: Bolivia’s regulator ATT completed phase 1 of the analogue TV shutdown in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, moving viewers to digital terrestrial TV. Regional Security & Travel: The U.S. renewed a Bolivia travel advisory, keeping Level 2 overall while flagging Chapare Province as higher risk due to narcotrafficking-linked crime; Language & Culture: A new Quechua documentary, “Runa Simi,” spotlights efforts to keep Indigenous language alive through dubbing major films.

Bolivia TV Upgrade: Bolivia’s ATT says it will complete phase 1 of the analogue switch-off on Aug. 28, ending analogue broadcasts in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz in favor of digital terrestrial TV. Strategic Minerals Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, seeking multilateral support and joint public-private calls to boost investment and energy-transition supply chains. Bolivia’s Tech and Finance Moves: ATT’s rollout comes alongside BCP Miami’s expansion in the U.S., as the bank begins operating as a branch and targets more corporate clients across the U.S.-Latin America corridor. Fernando Cerimedo Fallout: A growing international spotlight is on detained far-right strategist Fernando Cerimedo, with reporting tying him to election interference and alleged disinformation operations across the region, including claims involving Bolivia. Regional Travel and Health Alerts: The U.S. reissued a Bolivia travel advisory, keeping Level 2 overall while flagging Chapare Province as Level 4 due to narcotrafficking-linked crime; health warnings include chikungunya outbreaks in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.

Bolivia Politics & Security: Former President Evo Morales accused President Rodrigo Paz of ruling “by accident” and said the June state of emergency was meant to enable corruption and privatization, pointing to the arrest of Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo. Cross-border Influence Probe: Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced a “transnational right-wing political-media influence” network tied to Cerimedo, alleging coordination of campaigns and disinformation reaching U.S. policy circles. Legal Fallout in the Cerimedo Case: Argentina’s Milei camp says Cerimedo has had no relationship with Milei since 2023, even as Cerimedo faces attempted femicide allegations and other lawsuits in Bolivia. Public Safety & Travel: The U.S. State Department kept Bolivia at Level 2 “exercise increased caution,” but upgraded Chapare Province to Level 4 “do not travel” over narcotrafficking-linked crime; health alerts include chikungunya in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Infrastructure & Services: Brunswick County (Bolivia, North Carolina) broke ground on a new Health and Human Services/Emergency Operations Center building to consolidate key county services. Health & Research: A new ASU study using Bolivian Tsimane data links menopause transitions with blood pressure changes, highlighting women’s health gaps. Energy & Trade: TBG seeks Brazil’s approval for a $286m Gasbol expansion to relieve a southern bottleneck and boost LNG distribution into Santa Catarina.

Bolivia’s climate emergency: The Deputy Ministry of Civil Defense says snowstorms have now hit 121,731 families across six departments, damaging crops and killing camelid herds, with aid efforts expanding as communities remain isolated. Economy shake-up: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as new economy minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza, with Morales tasked to push IMF and multilateral bailout talks for $7–$10 billion while fuel shortages and stagnation linger. Human rights under pressure: Bolivia published decrees that tighten NGO registration and oversight, raising alarms that freedom of association and expression for human rights groups could be restricted. Political scandal fallout: Paz distanced himself from detained Argentine adviser Fernando Cerimedo, now facing new investigations tied to alleged money laundering and drug-trafficker protection, after the Nadia Beller attack case. Regional diplomacy: India will host the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, with Bolivia listed among BRICS+ partners.

Economy & Crisis Response: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as new economy minister after Jose Gabriel Espinoza was ousted by lawmakers, with bailout talks targeting $7–$10 billion from the IMF and other lenders. Climate Emergency: Snowstorms and freezing in Bolivia’s highlands have hit 121,731 families across six departments, damaging crops and killing hundreds of camelid livestock, as emergency aid ramps up. Fuel Protests: Diesel price hikes for large consumers are sparking mobilizations and blockades plans, with police and military deployed in Santa Cruz to prevent road disruptions. Legal Fallout Around Fernando Cerimedo: Prosecutors opened another case into Argentine adviser Fernando Cerimedo, accused of protecting irregular flights tied to drug trafficking, as Paz publicly distanced himself from the detained consultant. Human Rights & Civil Society: Bolivia’s NGO registry rules tighten oversight of human rights groups, raising alarms over freedom of association. Rights Milestone: Bolivia’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage has been approved for one couple, potentially paving the way for broader access. Culture & Heritage: Potosí’s Casa Nacional de Moneda is set to begin a major restoration after years of roof and stonework deterioration.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Bolivia’s government published decrees that tighten NGO registration and oversight, requiring groups to register with the Vice-Ministry before projects involving “technical or financial cooperation,” with renewals every three years and possible “corrective measures” if objectives don’t match development plans. Climate Emergency: Severe snowfall and rain have hit more than 121,000 families across six departments, damaging crops and livestock and prompting municipalities to declare emergencies to speed aid. Diesel Price Fallout: Rice producers in Santa Cruz and Beni launched an indefinite highway blockade after a decree raised diesel for large consumers to 18 bolivianos per liter; the government deployed police and military to prevent road blockades while officials signaled the decree may be repealed. LGBTQ+ Rights Milestone: Bolivia’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage has been granted by court ruling, and activists say it could open the door for more couples, though nationwide administrative access still depends on further rulings. Justice Watch: Prosecutors opened a third case against former presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo, alleging he protected irregular flights tied to drug trafficking.

Bolivia Economy: President Rodrigo Paz named Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after lawmakers censured and removed Jose Gabriel Espinoza, aiming to keep policy steady while securing foreign financing and pushing an investment bill through Congress. Political Violence Plot: Bolivia jailed Argentine political operative Fernando Cerimedo, dubbed “MAGA’s man in LatAm,” over an attempted assassination of lawyer Nadia Beller in Santa Cruz; prosecutors cite cash and a bot farm, while Cerimedo denies involvement. Security & Regional Cooperation: South American air chiefs met in Tucson for SOUTHAM 2026 to coordinate responses to transnational crime, cyber threats, and illicit air corridors. Climate Disaster: Bolivia’s Civil Defense says snowfall, rain and flooding since Aug. 11 hit 114,000+ families, damaging nearly 29,000 hectares of crops and affecting 209,000+ livestock, with Potosí hardest hit. Coca Tensions: Evo Morales’ coca federations in Cochabamba barricaded themselves to defend him and warned police and armed forces against entering to arrest him. Strategic Resources: A new global race for lithium is framed as the “oil of the new economy,” with Bolivia’s resource politics in the background.

Weather Emergency: Bolivia’s Civil Defense says snowfall, rain and flooding since Aug. 11 have hit 114,000+ families across six departments, damaging 28,799 hectares of crops and affecting 209,143 head of livestock, with response operations focused on hardest-hit areas like Potosí. Same-Sex Rights: A Santa Cruz court win makes two Bolivian women the first same-sex couple to legally marry after a four-year legal fight, despite the constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Agrifood Finance: FAO convened 70 regional players to push a roadmap for scaling investment in Latin America and the Caribbean agrifood systems, arguing finance is still fragmented and too small for climate-linked risks. Bolivia in Regional Politics: Evo Morales praised Iran’s “sovereign resistance” to U.S. pressure, framing it as a model for other nations. Crime & Justice: Bolivia charged a couple as accomplices in the attempted murder of lawyer Nadia Beller, tied to ex-adviser Fernando Cerimedo, as prosecutors pursue the alleged network behind the attack. Culture Trend: “Aura farming” meme battles have spilled into Bolivia streets, with teens competing in public for charisma points.

Bolivia Justice: Prosecutors charged two people as accomplices in the attempted femicide of lawyer Nadia Beller, with Argentine political adviser Fernando Cerimedo already in pretrial detention in Palmasola; investigators say one suspect supplied the gun and a foreign man turned himself in while others remain sought. Same-Sex Rights: In a historic court win, two Bolivian women became the first legally married same-sex couple in the country after a four-year fight, despite the constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Public Health: Bolivia’s ombudsman warned of a critical prison health and rights crisis, citing overcrowding, staffing gaps, sanitation failures, and delays in food allowances, with many inmates still without final convictions. Economy & Finance: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said USDT is increasingly used across Venezuela, Argentina, and Bolivia for trade and savings amid currency instability. Energy & Industry: Soboce is converting non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel at its Viacha cement plant, aiming to cut conventional fuel use and waste disposal.

Bolivia Justice & Rights: Bolivia’s Ombudsman warns of a “critical” prison health and rights crisis, citing overcrowding, staffing gaps, broken sanitation and medical failures, with the prison population rising to 33,058 in 2025 and many inmates lacking final convictions. Bolivia Politics: President Rodrigo Paz’s government faces fresh fallout after lawmakers pushed to remove the Economy Minister, deepening unrest around the administration. Bolivia Court Case: In Santa Cruz, two detained men gave statements in the shooting case of lawyer Nadia Beller; prosecutors accuse Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo of ordering the attack, with pre-attack messages and post-attack communications now central to the case. Bolivia Economy & Industry: Soboce is converting non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel at its Viacha cement plant, aiming to cut disposal volumes and gradually replace conventional fuels. Bolivia Tech & Security: Researchers describe a Chinese-speaking cybercrime group (UAT-10147) targeting web servers globally, with targets including Bolivia. Culture & Community: In Cochabamba, Kuska turns discarded ceramics into mosaics and public art, giving women a path to income and community power.

Bolivia Justice Under Scrutiny: A Bolivian judge ordered Argentine political consultant Fernando Cerimedo into 180 days of preventive detention in Palmasola, Santa Cruz, over an alleged attempted femicide and corruption after the Aug. 17 shooting of his pregnant ex-partner, lawyer Nadia Beller; prosecutors cite call records and recovered messages, including talk of “eliminating” Beller, while Beller says the motive was to silence what she knew. Energy & Daily Life: Fuel shortages are worsening across Bolivia, with long lines at gas stations and reports of adulterated gasoline damaging vehicles, as the government pushes drilling and expands operations to ease the crisis. Regional Integration: Bolivia and Venezuela reaffirmed plans to deepen a strategic integration agenda, signaling continued diplomatic momentum. Trade & Diplomacy Watch: India’s commerce chief Rajesh Agrawal is set to visit Brazil, Argentina, and Chile (Aug. 24–28) to advance trade talks, including upgrading the India-Chile PTA toward an FTA and exploring broader engagement with MERCOSUR, which includes Bolivia. Public Health Risk: Spain reported a surge in imported chikungunya cases, with origins including Bolivia, raising concerns about mosquito spread if local transmission takes hold.