Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano recognised military personnel serving across the country, including those working in difficult conditions .

"Today we commemorate 201 years of our Armed Forces, and I want to begin in a simple way, by thanking the women and men of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy who serve Bolivia, often far from their families, in difficult conditions, and that is where the country needs them most," Justiniano said.

The minister also highlighted the Armed Forces' role in emergencies, including reopening roads and supporting the delivery of essential supplies.

"The Armed Forces carried out a mission to support civil construction, within the law. Together with the Police and the ABC roads authority, we reopened routes, enabled corridors for tankers, food, medicines, oxygen and humanitarian aid, and we protected essential service installations," Justiniano said.

The anniversary concluded with a civic-military parade and military demonstrations attended by hundreds of people .

It was the first Armed Forces anniversary that Paz presided over since he took office in November 2025, a day after he participated in events marking the 201st anniversary of Bolivia's independence.

At the same time, another group of demonstrators, including farmers, miners and workers linked to trade union organisations, marched through the streets of La Paz demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

Protesters also criticised remarks made by Rodrigo Paz during the 217th anniversary of Sucre’s liberation movement on Monday, where he said that “a minority” cannot govern, referring to groups calling for his removal.

The protests against Rodrigo Paz’s government have entered their fourth week and have resulted in blockades on major roads, disrupting the supply of fuel, food and medical supplies in several cities across Bolivia.