Bolivian government security leadership challenges

Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo has faced significant political and legal challenges regarding his administration’s management of national security and drug trafficking.

On August 26, 2026, Oviedo avoided a vote of censure in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly following an interpellation. During the session, he presented data on drug seizures and addressed the “narcomadera” case, in which Chilean authorities reported finding controlled substances in Bolivian wood containers. Oviedo contested these claims, stating that Bolivia had not yet received scientific samples to verify the findings. While the minister retained his position with 82 votes, the session underscored deep political divisions regarding security management and transparency.

Subsequently, a legal action filed by attorney Juan Carlos Revollo Terrazas sought the temporary removal of Oviedo and General Commander of the Bolivian Police Mirko Sokol due to their performance in citizen security. On August 28, 2026, the Third Constitutional Chamber of El Alto suspended the public hearing regarding this lawsuit. The suspension followed the recusal of Judge Grover John Cori Paz, who cited a conflict of interest involving a first-degree consanguinity with a lawyer representing the Ministry of Government. Because the recusal resulted in a lack of quorum, the court must now appoint a new judge and reschedule the hearing to evaluate whether there has been a violation of collective rights.

On September 3, 2026, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly summoned Oviedo to a new interpellation session. This inquiry involves a 32-question questionnaire regarding the government’s response to over 50 days of road blockades across the country’s primary road networks. Legislators are seeking clarification on security force operations used to restore order and the impact of these blockades on fundamental rights and the availability of essential goods like food and medicine.