Evo Morales Alleges Assassination Attempt Amid Rising Tensions in Bolivia
Evo Morales, the former President of Bolivia, has claimed he was the target of an assassination attempt on Sunday when unidentified attackers fired shots at his vehicle. Fortunately, Morales was unharmed, but the incident has intensified the ongoing power struggle between him and the current President, Luis Arce.
Claims and Counterclaims Surrounding the Attack
Morales attributed the attack to President Arce’s administration, alleging it was part of a broader strategy to marginalize him politically. “Shooting a former president is the last straw,” Morales stated on his weekly radio show. He accused Arce of being “the worst president in history,” linking the incident to attempts to silence him.
Arce’s government, however, dismissed Morales’ allegations and countered that the former president might have orchestrated the incident himself to gain public sympathy. Deputy Security Minister Roberto Rios suggested Morales seeks “confrontation and violence for his own interests” and confirmed that an investigation into the possibility of a staged attack is underway.
The gunfire reportedly occurred while Morales was traveling through Chapare, a region known for coca leaf cultivation and a political stronghold for the former president. This area has recently seen protests, with residents blocking a key highway in solidarity with Morales after he faced new legal challenges.
Political Tensions and Legal Challenges
The political climate in Bolivia was already fraught before the alleged attack. Morales is under investigation for allegedly fathering a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016, a case classified as statutory rape. Morales has dismissed these accusations as politically motivated and has refused to appear in court.
Following the announcement of a potential arrest warrant, Morales has remained in the Chapare region, where he enjoys strong local support. Last month, Morales led a march to La Paz with his supporters to demand government action on fuel shortages and economic issues. The demonstration escalated into violence, with clashes between Morales’ supporters and counter-protesters.
A Country Divided
The alleged assassination attempt has further polarized Bolivia. While Morales maintains a strong base of support in rural regions like Chapare, his relationship with the central government has become increasingly combative. The incident underscores the deep divisions within Bolivian society, with both sides accusing the other of manipulation and dishonesty.
As investigations continue, Bolivia remains on edge, with fears that the political crisis could escalate further. The events highlight the fragility of the country’s democracy and the need for dialogue to prevent further unrest.