Amanda Porter Named US Chargé d’Affaires in Bolivia
The appointment marks a shift in leadership at the La Paz embassy amid ongoing efforts to restore full diplomatic ties.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in International Relations
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Amanda Porter has assumed the role of United States chargé d'affaires in Bolivia as of September 26, 2026. She takes the helm at the US embassy in La Paz following the departure of Erik Martini, who served in the post for three months.
Why it matters
The change in embassy leadership occurs as both nations work toward restoring full ambassador-level relations for the first time since 2008. This process has gained momentum following a recent meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Rodrigo Paz.
The transition follows the tenure of Debra Hevia, who served nearly three years, and Erik Martini, who held the post for three months. Meanwhile, Bolivia has enacted a law to secure a $1.9 billion IMF loan pending final board approval.
The players
Amanda Porter
She is the new United States chargé d'affaires in Bolivia who previously served as the minister-counselor at the US embassy in La Paz.
Marco Rubio
He is the United States Secretary of State who met with the Bolivian president in New York to discuss bilateral relations.
Rodrigo Paz
He is the current President of Bolivia who was sworn into office in November 2025.
Evo Morales
He is a former President of Bolivia who expelled the American ambassador in 2008 following accusations of conspiracy.
Philip Goldberg
He is a diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Bolivia until his expulsion in 2008.
The details
Porter transitions to the top post from her previous role as minister-counselor at the same embassy, bringing 20 years of diplomatic experience to the mission. The leadership change, which was confirmed via a social media post, coincides with high-level talks held in New York earlier in September.
Timeline
2008: US ambassador was expelled and ties were downgraded.
November 8, 2025: Rodrigo Paz was sworn in and both countries agreed to a diplomatic reset.
June 2026: Debra Hevia concluded her nearly three-year term as chargé d'affaires.
September 21, 2026: Secretary Marco Rubio met with President Rodrigo Paz in New York.
September 26, 2026: Amanda Porter officially assumed the role of chargé d'affaires.
Political Context
The diplomatic thaw follows the 2008 expulsion of US ambassador Philip Goldberg by President Evo Morales, an event that downgraded ties for 17 years. While the current administration seeks to normalize relations, opposition groups remain wary of the IMF loan conditions and the pace of US influence.
The normalization of diplomatic relations could eventually impact bilateral trade agreements and the finalization of the $1.9 billion IMF loan. For citizens and investors, this shift signals a potential increase in economic stability between the two nations.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new chargé d'affaires serves as a bridge while both nations navigate the complex process of confirming a permanent ambassador. This leadership transition underscores a sustained effort to move past nearly two decades of restricted diplomatic communication.
What happens next
An exchange of full ambassadors is expected to occur following the United States midterm elections in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on global diplomacy, visit the /politics/international-relations/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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