Bolivia's Morales Begins Hunger Strike as Tensions Escalate with Police
On Friday, police began removing some of the barricades blocking the highway from Cochabamba to the west of Bolivia.
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales begins a hunger strike as his supporters protest against the government, blocking roads and calling for dialogue.
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales begins a hunger strike as his supporters protest against the government, blocking roads and calling for dialogue.
Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, has announced he will go on a hunger strike. This choice comes as tensions rise between his supporters and the government led by President Luis Arce.
Supporters of Morales have been blocking roads for 19 days. They are protesting against Arce's economic policies and accusing the government of treating Morales unfairly.
Nov. 1st. Parotani, Cochabamba. pic.twitter.com/zJZns9vgji
— Camila (@camilapress) November 1, 2024
Morales wrote on social media platform X that he does not want violence. He said, “We have always sought a sincere dialogue.”
He asked his supporters to think about pausing their roadblocks. In the meantime, he said, “We will go on a hunger strike.” Morales demanded that the government remove all military and police forces from the streets.
The former president also called for talks about economic and political issues. He said he would ask “international organizations and friendly countries” to help with mediation. This plea came after President Arce gave a warning earlier in the week. Arce said the government might use its powers if the roadblocks were not cleared.
#RTPInforma
— RTP Bolivia (@rtp_bolivia) November 2, 2024
🚨El ministro de Gobierno, Eduardo del Castillo, informa que son 66 las personas aprehendidas en #Parotani, de las cuales 55 fueron trasladadas a La Paz. pic.twitter.com/zeCVOoO09Y
On Friday, police began removing some of the barricades blocking the highway from Cochabamba to the west of Bolivia. Arce emphasized that his government supports dialogue. However, he believes talks cannot happen while people's rights to food, fuel, and medicine are being violated.
During the protests, at least 19 police officers were hurt and taken to the hospital after clashes with protesters near Parotani.
In another troubling update, Arce said that “armed groups linked to Evo Morales” had taken over three military bases in Cochabamba. They reportedly took soldiers and their families hostage, but there have been no reports of injuries.
The Bolivian Armed Forces have warned these armed groups to stand down. They said that using weapons against the country is seen as treason and could lead to serious consequences. A video shared on social media shows military personnel surrounded by people holding sharp sticks, raising concerns about safety and security.
Evo Morales is a well-known left-wing politician in Bolivia. He first became president in 2006 and served until 2019.
His presidency ended amid protests and accusations of voter fraud. Morales claims he was a victim of a U.S.-backed coup. After he left Bolivia, Luis Arce, once Morales's ally, was elected president in 2020. However, the two have since become rivals, fighting for control of their party, the Movement for Socialism (MAS).
Recently, a Bolivian court issued an arrest warrant for Morales. He faces serious charges of “aggravated rape with human trafficking.”
Morales denies these accusations, saying they are politically motivated. He has also claimed that the government is trying to harm him after his car was shot at last Sunday. The government, however, denies these claims and accuses Morales of pretending to be a victim.
Arce's presidency has faced many challenges, including protests over the country’s worsening economic situation. In June, some unhappy police officers used armored vehicles in La Paz to show their discontent. They agreed to withdraw after facing international pressure and condemnation from Arce.
As the situation in Bolivia continues to develop, many are watching closely. The hunger strike by Morales and the ongoing protests highlight the growing divide between the former president’s supporters and the current government.
Citizens are calling for resolution and peace. It remains to be seen how the government will respond and if dialogue will be achieved.