Evo Morales accuses Bolivian government of trying to kill him

In a recent incident that could escalate tensions in Bolivia, former leader Evo Morales has accused his one-time ally, President Luis Arce, of attempting to assassinate him. This accusation followed an early morning ambush where Morales’ vehicle was struck by gunfire.

In a video shared on Facebook, Morales, who was seated in the front passenger seat, displayed bullet holes in the car’s windshield and stated, “Elite agents of the Bolivian State attempted to take my life today.” His claims come amid weeks of unrest, as his supporters have been staging road blockades nationwide in defense of the former president, who is currently facing legal challenges.

Arce responded to the situation by condemning violence in politics on social media and calling for a thorough investigation into the shooting. Earlier that morning, Bolivia’s Deputy Security Minister assured the public that they would look into the incident, regardless of its veracity.

Tensions in Bolivia have been high, with Morales’ supporters blocking critical highways and clashing with security forces over the past two weeks. The Arce administration accused Morales of “destabilizing” the nation and attempting to undermine the democratic process.

Support for Morales has surged from regional leftist allies, including statements from Venezuela’s foreign minister and former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The Morales-aligned faction of the socialist MAS party, which is currently at odds over loyalties to both leaders, claimed that his convoy was ambushed by two vehicles filled with armed men dressed in black near a military facility.

Video footage shared with Reuters captured a dramatic chase, during which Morales switched vehicles and his driver was reportedly injured. As of now, Reuters has not independently verified these claims.

A spokesperson for Morales indicated that the former president would hold a press conference to present what he claims is evidence linking the government to the attempt on his life. In a subsequent radio interview, Morales described how two vehicles intercepted him and opened fire, revealing that one bullet narrowly missed him.

“If Luis Arce did not give the order for this attempted murder, he should immediately dismiss and prosecute Eduardo del Castillo and Edmundo Novillo, his government and defense ministers, along with all the police officers involved,” he later stated on social media.

Deputy Security Minister Roberto Ríos asserted to journalists that the police had not conducted any operations against Morales. The backdrop to this political turmoil is further complicated by Morales’ past; he resigned in 2019 following a contested election that plunged Bolivia into chaos. His former economy minister, Arce, was elected as president the following year and is expected to run for re-election in 2025. Morales has expressed his desire to be a candidate in the next election, which is likely to deepen the division within the MAS party.

The Morales-aligned faction of MAS characterized the shooting as “evidence that we are facing a fascist government,” alleging that the attackers were seen entering a military facility and later boarding a helicopter.

As Bolivia approaches its next elections, the country faces significant challenges, including declining natural gas production, dwindling foreign reserves, and rising inflation. These issues are intensifying internal strife within the ruling party as well. Additionally, Morales is currently under scrutiny for allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors; he has been summoned to testify but failed to appear, leading to an arrest warrant, which he vehemently denies.