Political Tensions Escalate in Bolivia: Supporters of Evo Morales Seize Military Base
On Friday, a significant escalation in political tensions occurred in Bolivia when supporters of former president Evo Morales took control of a military base near Villa Tunari. This group, labeled as an 'irregular armed group' by the Bolivian army, reportedly took soldiers and civilians hostage while seizing weapons and ammunition. A video from the scene revealed grim footage of several hostages, with their hands bound, surrounded by armed individuals.
The motivations behind this bold move by Morales's supporters appear to be linked to ongoing protests against the current president, Luis Arce. For nearly three weeks, thousands have been blocking major highways, particularly a critical roadblock in Parotani, approximately a hundred kilometers from Villa Tunari. These protestors are demanding the resignation of President Arce, who, until recently, was also part of Morales's leftist party, Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement for Socialism).
Their demands are steeped in a political climate fraught with division: they seek to prevent any prosecution of Morales for allegations of abuses against minors and advocate for his participation in the upcoming 2025 presidential elections. Morales, who held the presidency from 2006 until his ousting in 2019 over claims of electoral fraud, has maintained a significant support base since returning to Bolivia in 2020. His announcement in 2023 regarding his intention to run for office again has intensified the political clash with Arce's government.
The controversy surrounding Morales's potential candidacy is further complicated by legal interpretations. The Morales faction argues that the two-term limit recently established by the Constitutional Court applies only to consecutive terms and that Morales should still be eligible to run. In contrast, the government asserts that Morales has already reached this limit.
Besides the hostage situation, the tensions reached a new peak on Sunday when Morales reportedly survived an assassination attempt, emerging unscathed. This latest incident illustrates the chaotic and volatile political landscape in Bolivia, where longstanding loyalties and rivalries are now manifesting in civil unrest and confrontations with the state. As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian implications for hostages and civilians caught in the crossfire remain dire, along with concerns over further economic disruptions and instability in the region.
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