AGP Executive Report

IMF Fallout in Bolivia: Former president Evo Morales attacked the Government’s IMF deal, saying it aims to “sell Bolivia,” violate the Constitution, and push privatization via subsidy cuts and state-company closures. BRICS Money Talks: As the 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged a faster shift to local currencies and called on the New Development Bank to fund BRICS infrastructure in national currency. Payments Push: India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS members to link payment systems, expand local-currency trade, and make digital trade easier, pointing to India’s UPI scale. Putin’s NDB Plan: Vladimir Putin pitched an NDB-based investment platform for BRICS trade, logistics, and technology, stressing it is “not against anyone.” Bolivia in the Spotlight: A separate report says Google’s transparency archive published identifying details from sex-crime takedown requests, including victims from Bolivia. Sports & Culture: Bolivia-linked football friendlies are affected by Argentina’s AFA turmoil, while Bolivia’s cultural presence is also reflected in regional arts programming.

IMF Deal & Fuel Prices: Bolivia agreed to end fuel subsidies by 2027 as part of a $1.9 billion IMF bailout, with the government saying higher domestic prices will no longer be artificially held down and some social spending will be increased to cushion impacts. BRICS Summit Watch (India): Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi ahead of the Sept. 12-13 BRICS leaders’ summit, with China’s Xi Jinping also set to attend; the agenda is expected to weigh wars in Ukraine and the Middle East alongside oil and global trade. BRICS Security in Delhi: India’s capital is on high alert for the summit, with Delhi Police deploying 15,000 personnel and about 200 paramilitary units plus major traffic controls. Bolivia in BRICS Orbit: BRICS communications list Bolivia as a partner country, underscoring the bloc’s expanding outreach beyond members. Meta Community Notes in Bolivia: Meta is testing Community Notes in Bolivia and other Latin American countries, a move that fact-checking groups say could replace independent verification. Local Enforcement (Santa Cruz): Authorities arrested two people in Santa Cruz for allegedly trafficking howler monkeys, seizing newborn animals offered for sale.

BRICS Summit Security & Agenda: India is ramping up security in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit (Sept. 12-13), deploying about 25,000 personnel and tightening hotel and traffic protocols around Bharat Mandapam as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are expected to arrive separately. Global South Trade Focus: Coverage highlights India’s growing BRICS trade ties—and its widening deficit—as imports surge faster than exports, while India pushes resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Bolivia Justice Demand: UN experts call for justice in the killing of agro-environmental judge Victor Claure Hinojoza, urging an independent investigation, accountability, and protection of the judiciary. Santa Cruz Fuel Protests: The Assembly of Cruceñidad sets six demands tied to fuel availability and warns of street protests starting Oct. 10 if the government doesn’t respond. Bolivia Political Scandal: The Fernando Cerimedo case continues to roil Bolivia and the region, with allegations of far-right networks, an attempted femicide probe, and links to high-level political figures. Public Health Alerts: Health agencies warn travelers about dengue and yellow fever risks as outbreaks expand beyond traditional hotspots, including alerts tied to Bolivia and other countries. Digital Media Shift: Meta begins testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Bolivia, as it moves away from professional fact-checking.

BRICS Summit Watch: India’s 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit kicks off Sept. 12-13 in New Delhi, with leaders including Xi, Putin, Ramaphosa and Iran’s Pezeshkian expected to push “collective resilience” on food, energy, health, disaster reduction and critical supply chains, while India also invites regional blocs like ASEAN and CELAC to broaden Global South ties. Meta & Misinformation: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Bolivia, aiming to replace professional fact-checking—prompting sharp criticism from the International Fact-Checking Network. Health Alert: The U.S. CDC updated its global travel notice after finding higher-than-expected dengue cases among U.S. travelers returning from Bolivia and other countries, urging bite prevention. Bolivia Security & Justice: A high-profile case tied to alleged attempted femicide and alleged links to right-wing political connections continues to draw attention after the arrest of Argentine operative Fernando Cerimedo. Environment & Public Health: New reporting highlights mercury contamination risks across Amazon communities, including 39 affected in Bolivia and 125 more at risk, with fish consumption driving exposure. Economy/Trade: India’s BRICS trade deficit has more than tripled, driven by import surges from China and Russia, underscoring the bloc’s economic imbalances.

Bolivia Military Tragedy: Bolivia’s Ministry of Defence says the death toll from the Viacha military barracks blasts has climbed to nine, with dozens treated and more people still missing as investigators probe how pyrotechnics and explosives were stored. Mercury Health Crisis: A new Mongabay Latam analysis links mercury contamination to 39 affected communities in Bolivia and warns 125 more face similar risk along the Beni River, pushing families to change fish-eating habits despite daily dependence on river protein. Central Bank Move: Bolivia’s central bank temporarily halted dollar purchases, citing enough liquid reserves to cover international payments and ease pressure in the foreign-exchange market. Digital Politics Fallout: The Fernando Cerimedo case keeps expanding, with prosecutors charging him over an attempted femicide tied to Nadia Beller’s shooting and raising wider questions about political violence and disinformation networks. Regional Finance: Chilean fintech Koywe launched operations in Bolivia to expand cross-border payments and liquidity management for regional businesses. US Influence Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Latin America tour aimed at strengthening cooperation with newly elected, Trump-aligned leaders, including stops in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. BRICS Spotlight: India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi Sept. 12-13, with major leader meetings and defence/trade discussions expected to feature prominently.

Mercury Crisis in the Amazon: A new Mongabay Latam review of nearly three decades of studies maps mercury contamination across the Madeira, Beni and Madre de Dios river basins, finding 39 Bolivian communities poisoned and 125 more at risk, with some Beni River Indigenous communities showing mercury levels up to nine times the WHO limit; residents say they keep eating fish while changing diets due to health fears. Central Bank Move: Bolivia’s central bank temporarily halts dollar purchases after saying it has built enough reserves to cover payment needs and ease FX pressure. Military Tragedy: Explosions at a Bolivian barracks in Viacha near La Paz have killed nine soldiers, with five still missing and prosecutors investigating possible manslaughter as President Rodrigo Paz calls it an accident linked to improper handling of explosives. BRICS Diplomacy: India prepares for the Sept. 12-13 BRICS summit in New Delhi, with Putin and Xi expected and bilateral talks with Modi on Sept. 11 likely to include defense and trade. US Influence Tour: Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Latin America trip starting in Colombia, aiming to deepen security cooperation after right-wing election wins.

Bolivia Tragedy: Explosions at a military barracks in Viacha, near La Paz, have killed nine soldiers after rescuers recovered three more bodies from the rubble; five remain missing, while 84 people were treated and 31 are still hospitalized. National Response: President Rodrigo Paz declared national mourning, said the blast appears linked to improper handling of explosives, and urged the public not to politicize the tragedy as prosecutors investigate possible manslaughter and other crimes. BRICS Watch: India is preparing to host the expanded BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept 12-13 in New Delhi, with trade, finance, technology and global governance reform on the agenda. US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Latin America tour in Colombia after right-wing election wins, aiming to deepen cooperation on security and commerce.

Military Tragedy in Viacha: Bolivia’s army base explosions near La Paz have killed seven, with seven still missing three days after the blast. Army Commander Héctor Alarcón said 84 people were treated and 31 remain hospitalized, while President Rodrigo Paz said the cause appears linked to improper handling of explosives stored at the facility. Prosecutors opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and other crimes, and Paz announced a national mourning period and urged the public not to politicize the tragedy. UNESCO Memory Register: Bolivia received nine nominations in the 2026 Call for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean, as countries submit candidates ahead of the November 2026 evaluation meeting. Justice Cooperation at BRICS: At the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, China’s top judge Zhang Jun pushed judicial cooperation and “digital justice,” while India’s Surya Kant held bilateral meetings with multiple judicial leaders. EU Crime-Fighting Pact: The European Commission proposed new Eurojust partnerships with Bolivia and seven other countries to strengthen joint investigations against drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering.

Bolivia Military Tragedy: Explosions at a Viacha military barracks tied to stored pyrotechnics and TNT have killed at least six, with 11 still missing and 84 injured as prosecutors open a manslaughter inquiry and search teams keep clearing rubble. Fuel Crisis Politics: As diesel shortages bite, the government has moved to intervene in the fuel regulator, while social sectors in Cochabamba mobilize against “diesel” hikes and broader economic policies. Government Under Fire: A fresh report says scandals are eroding President Rodrigo Paz’s image, pointing to multiple corruption and irregularity cases linked to Viru Viru airport and citing a sharp drop in popularity. Regional Minerals Push: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru signed a South American lithium alliance declaration to position the region as a reliable supplier for the energy transition amid US strategic pressure. Justice Diplomacy: India’s BRICS chairship highlights “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” while Chief Justice Surya Kant urges BRICS to act like a “living Nalanda University” for judicial dialogue.

Military Tragedy in Viacha: Explosions at a Bolivian army base in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz, killed at least 3 people and left 84 injured, with 14 soldiers still missing as authorities warn the risk remains high because powerful explosives are still at the site. Fuel Crisis Protests: In Cochabamba, hundreds of coca growers and Evo Morales supporters marched against President Rodrigo Paz’s diesel price doubling, saying it raises costs for basic goods while shortages persist. Political/Legal Fallout: A wider regional spotlight is growing on Fernando Cerimedo, a far-right strategist linked to disinformation allegations, as reporting ties his network to political campaigns and influence efforts across borders. Regional Justice Diplomacy: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” pushing for dialogue among different legal systems and faster, predictable justice. Global Finance Watch: Central banks kept buying gold in July, while research highlights how dollar-backed stablecoins can affect local currency pressure when trading access expands.

Disaster in Viacha: Explosions at a Bolivian military base in Viacha, about 30 km southwest of La Paz, have killed at least 3 people, with 84 injured and 14 soldiers still missing, as rescue teams clear rubble and authorities warn the risk remains high because explosives are still at the site. Prosecutor Katherine Ramirez said a third body was recovered, while Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first blast involved black powder/pyrotechnic material and the cause of the second, larger explosion is under investigation. Fuel and protest pressure: In Cochabamba, several hundred coca farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales protested diesel price hikes, demanding the government rescind a decree that doubled diesel prices for large-volume buyers, amid a state of emergency. Regional justice diplomacy: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” promoting healthy disagreement and timely, predictable justice delivery.

Military Tragedy in Viacha: Two blasts at the RAM-2 “Bolívar” military base in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz, killed at least 2 people and left 81 injured, with 7–14 missing as rescue teams continue searching. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion involved black powder tied to pyrotechnic material stored at the site, followed by a larger detonation; authorities are investigating the cause. Nearby homes were damaged by the shockwave, and officials warned of hazardous ordnance and the risk of further explosions. President Rodrigo Paz ordered a thorough, technical, and transparent investigation and declared mourning. Fuel Crisis Protest: In Cochabamba, several hundred coca farmers and Evo Morales supporters marched against President Rodrigo Paz’s diesel price hike, demanding relief as shortages and smuggling concerns fuel tensions.

Military Tragedy in Viacha: A blast at the RAM-2 “Bolívar” military base in Viacha, near La Paz, killed at least 10 people and left dozens injured, with officials citing figures that range up to 15 deaths and reporting 7 missing; the explosions struck around 2:30 p.m. and were linked to pyrotechnic/fireworks storage, while firefighters warned of a lingering heat source and authorities urged residents to stay at least 150 meters away as investigations continue. Fuel Crisis Protest: In Cochabamba, several hundred coca farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales marched against President Rodrigo Paz’s diesel price hike, demanding the decree be rescinded after the price rose from $0.80 to $1.50 per liter for large-volume buyers, amid shortages and a state of emergency. Regional Education Update: UNESCO is preparing to release ERCE 2025 results, with Bolivia among participating countries, covering learning in reading and math (and science at grade 6) to guide education policy across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Fuel Crisis in Bolivia: Bolivia ordered intervention in the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) after diesel shortages and long lines worsened, following a similar move against state oil firm YPFB, with officials citing irregularities and promising to restore supplies quickly. IMF Deal Pushback: Opposition to Bolivia’s $1.9bn IMF programme is growing as civic groups, unions and business leaders link fuel shortages and planned diesel subsidy cuts to the financing terms, demanding transparency and relief while the deal awaits congressional and IMF board approval. Organized Crime Cross-Border: Peru confirmed the arrest in Bolivia of alleged Pulpos leader “Jhonsson Pulpo,” transferred to Peruvian authorities after joint work involving Bolivian police and US agencies, raising hopes but not ending Peru’s extortion crisis. Regional Trade Talks: MERCOSUR foreign ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution, with Paraguay pushing a 25% share model and a new meeting planned. BRICS Judicial Forum: India hosted the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, with Chief Justice Surya Kant holding bilateral meetings and focusing on mediation, cross-border arbitration, and AI in justice. Bolivia-Brazil Road Plan: Bolivia signed studies for a highway linking Chiquitania (San Ignacio de Velasco) to Brazil’s Mato Grosso, a project critics warn could accelerate deforestation.

Fuel Crisis in Bolivia: The government placed state oil firm YPFB under temporary supervision to tackle persistent diesel and gasoline shortages, citing import and distribution failures and alleged corruption links; the plan includes auditing the logistics chain and gradually ending YPFB’s fuel marketing role. IMF Deal Backlash: Opposition is growing against Bolivia’s $1.9bn IMF program as civic groups, unions, and business leaders link diesel shortages and subsidy cuts to reforms they say are tied to the financing agreement. Regional Crime Crackdown: Bolivia arrested “Jhonsson Pulpo,” alleged leader of Peru’s Los Pulpos, and Peru confirmed his transfer; officials say it may disrupt the group but won’t quickly stop the extortion crisis. MERCOSUR Trade Talks: MERCOSUR ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution, with Paraguay pushing an equal 25% share for members. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials note dengue risk across parts of Central and South America, including Bolivia. Gold Reserves Update: Central banks added 23 tonnes of gold in July, led by China and Poland, with Bolivia among buyers. BRICS Judicial Forum: India will host the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, with Chief Justice Surya Kant holding bilateral meetings on justice delivery and cross-border dispute issues.

Fuel Crisis & State Oversight: Bolivia ordered temporary supervision of state oil firm YPFB after persistent diesel and gasoline shortages, aiming to audit and reorganize imports and distribution, with a plan to reduce YPFB’s role in fuel marketing and focus it on extraction and refining. IMF Deal Backlash: Opposition is growing to Bolivia’s $1.9bn IMF program as civic groups, unions, and business leaders link fuel shortages and planned diesel subsidy cuts to reforms tied to the financing, demanding transparency before congressional and IMF board approval. Regional Crime Network: A report says “Los Pulpos” leader Jhonsson Cruz Torres was arrested in Bolivia and handed back to Peru, highlighting a cross-border criminal economy stretching through Bolivia and beyond. Road vs. Forest: A planned Bolivia–Brazil highway to connect Chiquitania to Mato Grosso is set to begin technical studies, but experts warn it could accelerate deforestation in the tropical dry forest. Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi officials reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked, underscoring ongoing regional disease risk.