Evo Morales, the former President of Bolivia, has alleged that he was the target of an assassination attempt on Sunday when unidentified assailants fired shots at his vehicle. Fortunately, he was unharmed in the incident, which has further intensified the ongoing power struggle between him and the current President, Luis Arce.
Morales attributed the attack to Arce’s administration, alleging that it forms part of a broader strategy to marginalize him politically. In response, Arce’s government accused Morales of orchestrating the incident himself to garner public sympathy ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Both parties firmly denied the allegations against each other.
The gunfire reportedly occurred while Morales was traveling through Chapare, a region known for coca leaf cultivation and his political stronghold. This area has seen protests recently, with residents blocking a key highway in solidarity with Morales after he faced new legal threats.
Claims of a ‘Self-Attack’
Describing the incident as a conspiracy to undermine him, Morales shared his account on his weekly radio show, stating that at least 14 shots were fired at his car, resulting in injuries to his driver. “Arce will go down as the worst president in history,” Morales declared, adding, “Shooting a former president is the last straw.”
Deputy Security Minister Roberto Rios of Arce’s government suggested that Morales might have staged the attack for political gain. “Morales seeks confrontation and violence for his own interests,” Rios stated, indicating that an investigation is underway regarding the possibility of a self-inflicted attack.
While officials have yet to provide further details on their claims, the political environment in Bolivia has been increasingly charged, marked by personal attacks and violence.
Ongoing Political Tensions
Before the shooting incident, the political climate was already tense, with Morales facing legal challenges. Recently, prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations that he fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016, classifying it as statutory rape. Morales has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and has refused to appear in court.
Following news of a potential arrest warrant, Morales has remained in the Chapare region. Last month, he and his supporters undertook a march to La Paz to pressure Arce’s government to address fuel shortages and economic concerns. However, the demonstration turned violent, leading to clashes with counter-protesters.
