Former Bolivian President Evo Morales survived an assassination attempt unharmed; his driver was wounded during the gunfire attack on his vehicle.
The Daily Mail reported that in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a shocking attempt on the life of former President Evo Morales unfolded as he was en route to a radio interview. Morales, who was inside his vehicle at the time, was the target of gunmen who opened fire, resulting in bullet holes in the windscreen and injuries to his driver.
The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of political unrest and roadblocks orchestrated by Morales's supporters, who were voicing their discontent with the policies of the current government.
These roadblocks have significantly disrupted daily life, affecting supplies of essentials like food and fuel and isolating entire cities.
During the attack, Morales' driver suffered severe head wounds from five gunshots. Inside the car, chaos ensued; passengers scrambled, one shouted to close a window, while another thought to alert authorities by calling the local mayor. Morales, however, seemed focused on the dangers outside, as he was seen on the phone, urgently discussing the ongoing threat.
As bullets rained on the former leader's vehicle, Morales was heard shouting instructions to block the assailants, indicating they were being actively pursued.
This chilling reality was broadcast through Morales' frantic phone calls elaborating on their ordeal, where he reported, "They are shooting at us," described the car being immobilized after a shot to the tire, and detailed his driver's injuries.
Evo Morales pinned the blame for the attack squarely on President Luis Arce, his rival within the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
With political tensions already simmering, this accusation underscores the growing rift in Bolivian politics, particularly as presidential elections loom. Morales accused the Arce government of resorting to violence after failing to outmaneuver him politically, a charge that brought the internal party conflicts sharply into public view.
This characterization of Arce by Morales was stark, with the former president proclaiming, "Arce is going to go down as the worst president in history." He criticized the government's extreme measures by stating, "Shooting a former president is the last straw," which he claimed illustrated their desperation.
The attack has propelled the existing political tension to new heights, set against recent substantial protests led by Morales against government measures, which sometimes resulted in clashes with pro-government groups.
Furthermore, Morales is entangled in a legal dispute over serious allegations involving a minor made in 2016, charges he asserts are politically motivated to derail his career.
Despite these controversies, Morales maintains significant support, particularly in the Chapare region, a stronghold of coca growers who are providing him protection from any potential detention efforts by authorities.
In the aftermath, Morales's allies in the MAS party, including Deputy Pacifico Choque, addressed the media, declaring support for Morales and condemning the violent act.
The united front among supporters suggests a continued allegiance to Morales, reflecting on his lasting influence within certain Bolivian political circles.
Morales continued his advocacy unabated, appearing on his regular radio show where he narrated the attack with a surprisingly calm demeanor, recounting the terrifying moments to his listeners, detailing how the confrontation unfolded and his immediate reactions.
As Morales accuses President Arce of orchestrating the violence, this incident not only aggravates internal party conflicts but also intensifies the national political crisis. Observers and citizens alike are left to wonder about the stability of Bolivia's political landscape as upcoming elections approach amidst such turbulent times.