Evo Morales, the former Bolivian president, reported an assassination attempt after his car was shot at, allegedly by men in black near a military barracks. He accused President Luis Arce’s government of complicity in the incident, which he described as part of a pattern of political violence confronting his party amidst ongoing tensions and protests following his controversial departure from office in 2019.
Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, has alleged that an assassination attempt was made against him following an incident where gunfire was directed at his vehicle. On Sunday, Morales shared a video on social media that purportedly showed bullet holes in the windshield of the car he occupied. According to Morales’s political party, the Movement for Socialism (Mas), unidentified assailants in black uniforms opened fire on the vehicle as it passed a military installation. The party attributed responsibility for the attack to the government of President Luis Arce, with whom Morales has had a contentious relationship amid his aspirations for the 2025 presidential election. Morales claimed that the shooting constituted a coordinated action between military and police forces and expressed gratitude that he had narrowly escaped injury, noting that a bullet passed by him by mere centimeters and that his driver sustained injuries. The attack occurred in close proximity to the Bolivian Army’s Ninth Division base in Villa Tunari. A faction within the Mas party supporting Morales stated that those responsible for the attack had taken refuge within the military compound before being evacuated via military helicopter. The faction described the incident as part of a broader pattern of oppressive governance, asserting, “This is not an isolated event, it is clear evidence that we are facing a fascist government.” Although Morales served as President from 2006 until his resignation in 2019 amid allegations of electoral malfeasance, he is currently facing various legal challenges, including accusations of statutory rape and human trafficking, which he has categorically denied. His supporters have been engaged in nationwide protests and conflicts with law enforcement in recent weeks, fueled by what Morales claims to be politically motivated persecution by the interim government. Both he and President Arce command significant loyalty among their respective supporters, who are prepared to engage in violent demonstrations to advocate for their leaders.
Evo Morales has a complex political history in Bolivia, having served as president from 2006 until his resignation amid controversy over alleged election fraud in 2019. Following his departure, Bolivia has experienced significant political volatility, especially regarding tensions between Morales’s supporters and the interim government. Morales has accused the current administration of orchestrating legal charges against him in a bid to undermine his political influence as he approaches a potential comeback in the 2025 elections. The divisions within the Movement for Socialism (Mas) highlight the internal conflicts and power struggles that have ensued since his resignation. Additionally, the ongoing protests by Morales’s supporters illustrate the persistence of political unrest in the country as they seek to challenge the current government’s actions and legitimacy.
In summary, Evo Morales has declared that an assassination attempt was made against him, as his vehicle was fired upon near a military barracks. He has attributed the incident to a collusion of military and police forces under the current government, which has seen rising tensions as both he and President Luis Arce vie for control within the Mas party as they prepare for the upcoming presidential election. The situation reflects broader political divisions and unrest in Bolivia, as legal challenges against Morales continue to play a significant role in shaping the current political landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
