Ex-President of Bolivia Morales Claims Assassination Attempt Amidst Bolivian Political Crisis
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales has accused the current government of attempting to assassinate him, claiming his car was fired upon in an ambush while he was on his way to a radio station, CNN reports.
Morales, who was not injured, blames the attack on President Luis Arce and two government ministers.
The incident occurred in the central Bolivian department of Cochabamba, where Morales hosts a weekend radio program. According to Morales, two vehicles intercepted his car and “four hooded officers dressed in black with weapons in their hands” opened fire, striking the vehicle with fourteen bullets. His driver sustained injuries to the head and arm.
Morales posted a video on Facebook showing his driver’s bloodied head and bullet holes in the car’s windshield, along with his statement detailing the alleged attack. The Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), Morales’ party, also released a statement accusing Arce directly for the incident, though they provided no evidence.
The Bolivian government has denied any involvement and opened an investigation into the incident. Deputy Security Minister Roberto Rios even suggested the possibility of a “self-attack” staged by Morales.
President Arce condemned the political violence via X (formerly Twitter), vowing a “thorough investigation.”
This incident comes amidst escalating tensions in Bolivia, with Morales and his supporters clashing with the current government led by his former ally, Arce. The political struggle has been exacerbated by a backdrop of economic hardship and ongoing blockades on major highways organized by Morales’ supporters, leading to food and fuel shortages in some cities.
The blockades were sparked by a judicial investigation into Morales concerning alleged human trafficking charges, which he denies.
The government has condemned the blockades as “destabilizing actions” and accused Morales of attempting to “disrupt the democratic order.”
The current political climate has been further inflamed by the arrest of a general accused of orchestrating a coup against the government in June. The incident, involving armed soldiers and armored vehicles, raised serious concerns about the stability of the Bolivian government.
