Evo Morales Calls for Dialogue Amid Political Tensions in Bolivia
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales has urged his supporters to suspend ongoing blockades and announced a hunger strike to demand dialogue with the government led by President Luis Arce. This appeal comes in the wake of escalating tensions following the seizure of military installations by Morales' supporters in Cochabamba, where military personnel and civilians were reportedly taken hostage.
Morales, addressing the media in Lauca Ñ, emphasized the need for a break in protests to avoid further violence and economic disruption. He stated that the blockades, which began mid-October in response to rising fuel and food prices and judicial investigations against him, have led to confrontations with police, resulting in injuries and arrests.
In his call for dialogue, Morales proposed two roundtable discussions with the Arce administration: one focusing on economic measures and the other addressing legal proceedings against political leaders. He highlighted the plight of leaders he claims are being unjustly detained due to their political affiliations, stating, “Where the process is appropriate, they should be prosecuted, but not because they are mobilized or because of ideological differences.”
Seizure of Military Installations Raises Alarm
The situation escalated dramatically as Morales' supporters stormed three military installations in Cochabamba, leading to accusations from President Arce of treason against the homeland. Arce condemned the actions on social media, asserting that armed groups affiliated with Morales have endangered lives by taking military and civilian personnel hostage.
In light of these events, Morales reiterated his commitment to a hunger strike to pressure the government into dialogue, stating, “We do not want bloodshed.” He called for the withdrawal of military and police forces to facilitate a peaceful discussion, suggesting that international organizations from friendly nations should be involved to ensure a constructive dialogue.
As tensions continue to rise, both leaders from the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party find themselves at odds, with Morales accusing Arce of obstructing his potential candidacy for the upcoming 2025 presidential elections. The political landscape in Bolivia remains fraught as both sides navigate the complexities of governance, public protest, and the quest for dialogue amidst a backdrop of economic challenges.
