Bolivia's President Luis Arce Condemns Supporters of Evo Morales for Seizing Military Barracks

Bolivian President Luis Arce criticised the recent takeover of three military units by supporters of ex-President Evo Morales. He described it as "an absolutely reprehensible criminal act that is far from any legitimate social claim of the Indigenous peasant movement." Arce expressed his views on social media, stating that such actions amount to treason and violate the country's Constitution.

Military Units Seized

The Bolivian Armed Forces reported that "irregular armed groups" had seized military personnel and taken control of units in central Bolivia. This occurred as police began clearing roads blocked for 19 days by Morales' supporters. The armed forces urged those responsible to leave peacefully, warning that anyone taking up arms against the country would be deemed a traitor.

Videos on social media showed a detained military leader confirming the "peaceful" takeover of a regiment in Chapare, a coca-growing area. Authorities have not confirmed his identity as an Army member. Meanwhile, police deployed troops and tractors to clear road debris, aided by some military police.

Protests and Roadblocks

The All Saints Day holiday unexpectedly helped officers as many protesters left to celebrate. The conflict began three weeks ago when prosecutors investigated allegations against Morales involving a minor in 2016. Morales has not testified in court and remains in Chapare, where loyalists protect him from arrest.

Last week saw clashes between security forces and Morales' supporters, resulting in injuries to 30 police officers and over 50 arrests. Despite this, protesters regained control of roads after law enforcement passed through. The situation is most critical in Chapare, where Morales' followers threaten to seize police and military barracks.

Calls for Emergency Measures

Various groups, including La Paz's mayor Iván Arias, have urged the government to declare a state of emergency in Cochabamba, the region most affected by protests. However, the government has refrained from deploying soldiers en masse to clear roads. Critics argue this shows weakness amid economic challenges like rising living costs and fuel shortages.

Morales, once a coca grower himself, still enjoys strong support among poor and Indigenous Bolivians despite resigning in 2019 following mass protests over his disrupted re-election. His influence remains significant in regions like Chapare, where his supporters continue to demand an end to judicial cases against him.