AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Justice Shake-Up: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz approved a law letting the Legislative Branch suspend Attorney General Roger Mariaca and appoint an interim Public Ministry head if he faces serious charges, amid a crackdown tied to alleged drug trafficking and money laundering. Due-Process Warning: Vice President Edmand Lara says he fears he could be arrested on fabricated charges and urges lawmakers, prosecutors, rights groups, and the international community to monitor his case. Court Clears Evo Morales: A federal judge in Argentina archived a child abuse case against former Bolivian President Evo Morales, ruling there was no crime. Health in the Amazon: Bolivia joined Guyana-led talks with Amazon countries on malaria elimination, Indigenous health, and disease surveillance under PAHO/ACTO. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists formally described Bolivia’s tilcayo, a new wild cat species in the Yungas. Regional Security/Finance: A report highlights a broader Latin America shift toward tracing and dismantling criminal financial networks, not just arresting kingpins.

Justice & U.S. Sanctions: Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca was arrested at Viru Viru after the U.S. revoked his visa over alleged drug-trafficking bribes; authorities also detained prosecutors Alberto Zeballos and Martín Irusta, while Mariaca’s office called the raid a “kidnapping” and a court rejected a release bid. Parliament Moves: The Plurinational Legislative Assembly approved a resolution letting the chamber remove the AG in serious-crime cases and appoint an interim substitute to keep the Public Prosecutor’s Office running. Vice President Warns: Vice President Edmundo Lara said he fears for his life, alleging a plan to arrest him and fabricate charges amid the crackdown. Wildlife Science: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests produced the newly described “tilcayo” (Leopardus tilcayo), the first new living cat species formally identified in over a century. Health & Environment: PAHO/ACTO talks in the Amazon flagged malaria elimination and Indigenous health priorities, while Wake Forest and CINCIA researchers briefed Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution linked to gold mining. Sports Spotlight: Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina for his farewell match vs Benin, with Argentina beating Bolivia 4-0 in the post-Messi era opener.

Bolivia Justice Crackdown: Bolivia’s Prosecutor’s Office asked for six months of preventive detention for Attorney General Roger Mariaca and prosecutors Alberto Zeballos and Martín Irusta, plus police officer Rubén Aparicio, in a drug-trafficking and criminal-organization case; the move follows a raid that left Prosecutor’s Office offices cordoned off and a resignation by the La Paz prosecutor. U.S.-Bolivia Tensions: The case unfolds amid renewed U.S. pressure and visa sanctions tied to alleged bribes and drug facilitation, with Bolivia’s prosecutors denouncing “kidnapping” after Mariaca and Zeballos were detained at Viru Viru airport. Regional Security Alliance: A group of countries backing Bolivia’s anti-drug and anti-corruption actions praised the arrests and urged investigations to continue under the “Shield of the Americas” framework. Trade & Diplomacy: India and MERCOSUR are set to expand their trade talks, with services likely included and a special cooperation track for critical minerals. Environment & Health: UNICEF warns El Niño could put 25.8 million children in Latin America at risk from droughts and flooding, while scientists briefed Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution linked to gold mining across the Amazon. Science Spotlight: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests produced the newly described tilcayo, the first new cat species in over 100 years.

U.S.-Bolivia Security Crackdown: Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca was arrested along with 13 others in Santa Cruz, as the government says a “criminal organization” embedded in the justice system was dismantled over alleged protection of drug trafficking and money laundering—days after Washington revoked his visa and blacklisted him for bribery allegations. Regional Shield of the Americas: The U.S. and 15 countries backed Bolivia’s anti-drug and anti-corruption actions, urging La Paz to keep investigations active and bring suspects to court. Diplomacy & Pressure: The U.S. also revoked hundreds of thousands of visas overall, citing crimes and visa violations, while China urged an end to unilateral coercive measures at the UN. Climate & Health Watch: UNICEF warned 25.8 million children across Latin America face rising El Niño risks, including drought, flooding, and wildfire impacts; separate reporting highlighted mercury pollution concerns tied to gold mining reaching vulnerable communities in the Amazon. Sports: Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 in its first match after Lionel Messi’s retirement, with Scaloni rotating new faces ahead of upcoming friendlies.

Justice & U.S.-Bolivia Tensions: Bolivian police arrested Attorney General Roger Mariaca in Santa Cruz, along with prosecutor Alberto Zeballos and others, after the U.S. revoked Mariaca’s visa over alleged bribes tied to drug trafficking and corruption; Bolivia’s government says it dismantled a “criminal organization” embedded in the justice system, while Mariaca’s office called the detention a “kidnapping.” Regional Security: Bolivia’s defense leadership framed the moment as an early real-world test for Trump’s “Shield of the Americas,” as security forces deploy and the government braces for unrest. Trade & Industry: Brazil and India are set to expand their Mercosur preferential trade talks beyond limited tariff coverage, potentially widening the agreement that includes Bolivia. Climate & Health: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related risks to food, safe water, health care, and education. Sports (Bolivia’s spotlight): Argentina kicked off the post-Messi era with a 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia in Córdoba, with Nico Paz starring.

U.S.-Bolivia Justice Clash: Bolivian police arrested Attorney General Roger Mariaca and Santa Cruz prosecutor Alberto Zeballos after the U.S. revoked their visas over alleged corruption and alleged links to drug trafficking; Mariaca called it “interference,” while offices were raided in Sucre. Argentina–Bolivia Football: Argentina opened its post-Messi era with a dominant 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia in Córdoba, with goals by Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Paz, Cristian “Cuti” Romero and José Manuel “Flaco” López; Romero captained in Messi’s absence, and Messi’s farewell is set for Benin on Oct. 6. Regional Trade Talks: Mercosur and India launched talks to upgrade their Preferential Trade Agreement toward a broader Free Trade Agreement, with electronic certificates of origin already in place. Haiti Security Push: The OAS urged full deployment and renewal of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force mandate, calling for funding, equipment and logistics to support Haitian-led solutions. Climate Risk Watch: A new report warns a “super” El Niño could disrupt Latin American supply chains, with drought risks in parts of Central America and flooding threats in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Bolivia in the Spotlight: The U.S. visa crackdown also targeted other Latin American officials, underscoring rising regional pressure on corruption and organized crime.

U.S. Visa Crackdown Hits Bolivia: The U.S. State Department revoked visas of Latin American officials and others under its “Shield of the Americas” push, including Bolivia’s top prosecutor Roger Mariaca and the Attorney General Roger Mariaca, with Bolivia’s government denouncing “foreign interference.” Immigration Pressure: The U.S. also expanded visa restrictions tied to corruption, drug trafficking, and alleged undermining of democratically elected governments, while critics like Gustavo Petro called it political persecution. Bolivia Justice Shock: In a separate domestic case, Fernando Cerimedo—linked to conservative politics—faces maximum-security detention over allegations he hired assassins to kill his pregnant mistress, as prosecutors probe corruption and money-laundering claims. Regional Security Talks: Brazil is considering joining Chile’s Santiago Regional Commitment against transnational organized crime, amid election-period uncertainty. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warned El Niño could endanger millions of Latin American children; parts of Bolivia face higher wildfire risk. Sports—Argentina vs Bolivia: Argentina begins its post-Messi era with a friendly against Bolivia on Sept. 30, with Scaloni testing tactics and keeping the No. 10 shirt vacant until Messi’s Oct. 6 farewell.

Argentina–Bolivia Friendly: Lionel Scaloni kicks off the post-Messi era with a Wednesday friendly in Córdoba, with Messi set to play his final match against Benin on Oct. 6. Scaloni says he’s open to staying on as coach and is already testing new attacking options, including starting Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together, while Cristian “Cuti” Romero is expected to captain. No. 10 Decision: Argentina’s federation will leave the iconic No. 10 shirt vacant until Messi’s farewell, so nobody wears it in the Bolivia and Burkina Faso friendlies. Roma Blocks Stars: AS Roma refused travel for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina to attend Messi’s farewell for “sporting and logistical reasons.” US Visa Crackdown Touches Bolivia: The U.S. revoked visas of nearly 30 Latin American officials and family members, including Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca, citing corruption and drug-trafficking. El Niño Warning: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America face rising risks from severe El Niño-linked droughts and flooding, with parts of Bolivia among areas at elevated risk. New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists report the first new cat species in over a century, the leopardus tilcayo, found in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest.

U.S. Visa Crackdown on Bolivia: The U.S. State Department revoked visas of Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca and other officials, citing alleged corruption and links to drug trafficking, while Mariaca rejected the move as foreign interference and said Bolivia will continue investigations. Regional Security Push: The restrictions are framed under the “Shield of the Americas” effort to defend democratically elected governments against corruption and narcotrafficking, with similar actions reported across Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Bolivia’s Health Focus: PAHO highlighted innovative primary health care experiences from Bolivia alongside other countries during its Directing Council session. Sports Spotlight: Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni signaled openness to extending his contract, and Messi’s No. 10 will remain vacant until his farewell match. Business/Services: Abacus Worldwide added Bolivian firm Horady to its network, aiming to support cross-border accounting and legal services.

US Visa Crackdown on Bolivia: The Trump administration imposed new visa restrictions on officials from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, citing corruption and drug trafficking. Bolivia’s Top Prosecutor Targeted: Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca was among those whose visas were revoked or entry barred, alongside judges, prosecutors and other officials; Washington says previously issued visas may also be revoked. Shield of the Americas: The move is framed as part of the “Shield of the Americas” push to protect democratically elected governments from narcotrafficking and corruption. Regional Tensions: Bolivia’s armed forces said they’re ready to act if protests threaten constitutional order amid a state of exception and fuel-subsidy-related unrest. Diplomatic Update: Serbia and Bolivia signed an agreement to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Science & Nature: Scientists recognized Bolivia’s cloud-forest “tilcayo” as a new wild cat species, the first described in over a century.

US Visa Revocations: The Trump administration revoked visas for 27 Latin American officials and families, including Bolivia’s top prosecutor, citing corruption and narco-trafficking. Diplomacy: Bolivia’s foreign minister met Serbia’s Marko Đurić at the UN, signing an agreement to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Environment & Health: Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1, including Bolivia. Biodiversity: Scientists say Bolivia’s newly described tilcayo (a tiger cat) may be the first of several species as genetics reshapes South America’s small-cat family tree. Sports: Argentina will play Bolivia Sept. 30, with Lionel Messi’s international farewell set for Oct. 6 vs Benin. Regional Security: OAS states renewed calls for full deployment of Haiti’s gang suppression force, linking security and elections. Mining Pressure: Indigenous communities in Pando issued an ultimatum demanding removal of barges and dredges tied to gold mining on the Madre de Dios River over mercury contamination.

Diplomacy: Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Héctor Huanca met Serbia’s Marko Đurić at the UN, signing an agreement to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, with both sides also discussing deeper cooperation and Serbia’s Expo 2027 invite. Security in the region: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing the UN mandate for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, urging full funding, equipment and logistics for deployment—Bolivia included in the call. Foreign policy & crime: A new analysis highlights how Brazil’s Red Command is expanding across the Colombia-Peru-Brazil Amazon tri-border by partnering with local groups, with Peru’s gold-mining areas also implicated. Environment & indigenous rights: Indigenous communities in Pando issued an ultimatum to remove gold-mining barges and dredges from the Madre de Dios River, citing mercury contamination harming health and livelihoods. Sports (Bolivia): Paraguay beat Bolivia 2-0 in a friendly; Venezuela also routed Bolivia 4-1 in South American U-20 futsal, while Bolivia’s midfielder Ramiro Vaca was signed by UAE club Khorfakkan. Biodiversity: Bolivia announced the discovery of a new wild cat species, “tilcayo,” in Los Yungas.

Indigenous Rights vs Mining: Indigenous communities in Bolivia’s Pando region issued an ultimatum to gold-mining operations, demanding the removal of dredges and barges from the Madre de Dios River by Sept. 30, citing high mercury contamination harming health and livelihoods. Environment & Discovery: Scientists identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s Los Yungas—Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo tiger cat”)—the first feline described in over a century, after genetic research on a specimen found near the Senda Verde sanctuary. Bolivia’s Economy & Governance: A Bolivian minister defended the government’s shift toward free-market policies at the UN, saying it’s rebuilding confidence, boosting reserves, and backing democracy while fighting organized crime. Water Partnership: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents program into Bolivia, aiming to improve safe water and sanitation, support watershed restoration, and promote more efficient farming water use. International Spotlight: Spain confirmed a faster citizenship route for citizens of 23 countries, including Bolivia, after two years of legal residency—pending integration tests.

Bolivia’s Democracy & Economy Pitch: Bolivia’s Minister of the Presidency Fernando Aramayo told the White House-backed audience that the country is “defending democracy,” fighting organized crime, and opening the economy to investment, citing a jump in central bank reserves from $51 million to nearly $1.2 billion. Fuel Subsidy Crackdown: A Bolivian government move targeted the diesel subsidy “gang,” describing how price controls and decrees shaped the scheme and its eventual dismantling. New Wildlife Discovery in Los Yungas: Scientists identified a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo tiger cat”), after genetic research; the first known specimen was found as a “domestic cat” and later taken to a sanctuary. Regional Football Fixtures: Bolivia is set for friendlies next month, including a match against Gambia on Oct. 4 in Santa Cruz, following games against Paraguay and Argentina during the current window. International Security Push: Bolivia is among OAS member states urging the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for sustained funding and support.

Bolivia Politics & Economy: Bolivia’s Minister of the Presidency Fernando Aramayo says the government is defending democracy, backing a state of emergency against organized crime, and courting investment after rebuilding central bank reserves from $51 million to nearly $1.2 billion. Energy Policy: A “diesel subsidy” overhaul is described as an “autopsy” of how fuel price controls were tightened and partially rolled back, amid fuel shortages and rising costs. International Diplomacy: Bolivia plans to open a trade office in Dakhla and a diplomatic mission in Rabat to expand access to African markets. Sports (Bolivia in the spotlight): Bolivia will host friendlies in October, including a match vs Gambia on Oct. 4 in Santa Cruz after games against Paraguay and Argentina. Environment & Science: A new Bolivian wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo tiger cat), was identified after more than 100 years, highlighting the Yungas’ biodiversity. Regional Security: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition continues to draw debate over how it targets criminal groups and its broader geopolitical aims.

Bolivia–IMF & Economy: Bolivia’s right-wing government moved ahead with an IMF deal worth about $1.9B despite union warnings about spending cuts, while a separate report highlights how coca cultivation hit record levels for a third straight year, driven more by global cocaine demand than legal coca markets. Democracy & Security: A Bolivia minister warned of a leftist threat to democracy and praised the White House, as regional debate grows around the US-led “Shield of the Americas” push to target cartel networks. Biodiversity Breakthrough: Scientists named a new Bolivian wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo tiger cat), the first living cat species described in over a century, discovered in the Yungas and confirmed with genetic testing. Sports (Regional): Bolivia’s national team is set for friendlies including a match against Gambia on Oct. 4 in Santa Cruz, following games vs Paraguay and Argentina.