For 19 days, coca producers, peasants and miners who follow the former president of Bolivia Evo Morales blocked several points on roads, mainly in the Cochabamba region, in protest against the government of Luis Arce.
This Friday (1), after sending security forces and tractors to dismantle the blockades, some of the former president’s followers invaded military units in the Cochabamba region, Morales’ stronghold, and held soldiers hostage.
The invasions occurred after the Arce government began an operation to end the blockades, sending security forces and tractors to remove protesters and debris. Military police used tear gas to disperse the protests.
Roadblocks, a frequent form of demonstrations in the country, began to defend the former president. Morales is being investigated for alleged relations with a minor and, as he was summoned to testify and did not appear, an arrest warrant may be issued for him.
The indigenous leader claims that the case has already been investigated and that no evidence was found against him. He claims to be suffering persecution from Arce, with whom he is in conflict.
In addition to defending the former president, Morales’ followers also complain about economic difficulties, such as price increases and shortages of fuel and dollars, and call for Arce’s resignation.
Last weekend, Morales published a video in which he appears to be suffering from a shooting attack and his car is hit by gunfire. The former president accuses Arce of trying to assassinate him.
Bolivian authorities, however, claim that the former president went through a police blockade and was the one who initially shot at agents.
The episode further inflamed Morales’ followers protesting in the Cochabamba region. According to the Arce government, the roadblocks are preventing the circulation of fuel, food and medicine, and have already caused losses of approximately 1.7 billion dollars for the country.
Late this Friday afternoon (1st), Morales asked his followers to reconsider the blockades to avoid “episodes of blood”. He also announced that he will go on hunger strike until the Arce government sets up dialogue tables to deal with the country’s economic and political crises.
Former allies, Morales and Arce are in an open confrontation over the leadership of the Movement to Socialism (MAS) party and the former president’s intention to run again for president in next year’s elections.
This content was originally published in Blockades, invaded barracks and hostages: what do Evo Morales followers want? on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
