Power struggle in Bolivia

Morales supporters take soldiers hostage

Former President Evo Morales feels politically persecuted. His supporters are becoming increasingly violent.(Bild: APA/AP)

Against the backdrop of a bitter power struggle between former Bolivian President Evo Morales and incumbent head of state Luis Arce, protests by Morales supporters have escalated further. According to the Ministry of Defense, a group of gunmen stormed a barracks in the coca-growing region of Chapare and took "dozens of soldiers and their families" hostage. There were street battles and three military barracks were occupied.

The attackers also seized weapons and ammunition, the army said. A video published by Bolivian media shows soldiers surrounded by demonstrators armed with sharpened sticks. "The Cacique Maraza regiment has been taken over by Tipnis activists," says one of the men in uniform in the video. "They have cut off our water and electricity and are holding us hostage." Tipnis is a stronghold of Morales supporters.

Supporters want to prevent Morales' arrest
Since mid-October, allies of the ex-president have been blocking roads in various parts of Bolivia in an attempt to prevent his arrest. The left-wing politician is currently under investigation on allegations that he raped a 15-year-old girl during his time in office in 2015. The ex-president rejects the accusations and describes them as an attempt to prevent him from returning to power. 

Security forces break up a road blockade by supporters of the former Bolivian president.(Bild: APA/AP)

Since Morales' supporters began blocking roads in mid-October, numerous people have been injured in clashes between police officers and demonstrators, including many1 police officers, according to the authorities. On Wednesday, President Arce called for the blockades to be lifted immediately. According to him, these have so far led to economic losses of 1.7 billion dollars as well as food and fuel shortages. 

From popular head of state to political refugee
Morales was Bolivia's first indigenous president from 2006 to 2019 and was very popular for a long time - until he tried to circumvent the constitution and seek a fourth term in 2019. Although he won the election, he resigned after fierce protests and temporarily fled the country.