Former Bolivian President Evo Morales narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday when a car he was traveling in was shot at near a military barracks. Morales, who posted a video on social media showing bullet holes in the car’s windscreen, condemned the attack as a deliberate attempt on his life.
The incident has further escalated tensions between Morales and current President Luis Arce, both members of the governing Movement for Socialism (Mas) party. The two leaders have been at odds since announcing their intentions to run as the Mas party’s candidate in the 2025 presidential election.
Morales accused the government of being behind the attack, alleging it was a coordinated operation between military and police forces. He claimed that a bullet narrowly missed him and that the driver of the car was injured in the shooting.
The attack took place near the Bolivian Army’s Ninth Division base, with a pro-Morales faction of the Mas party claiming that the perpetrators entered the military barracks before being evacuated by a military helicopter. The faction labeled the incident as evidence of a “fascist government” and called for justice.
Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, is currently facing legal issues, including investigations for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, which he denies. His supporters have been protesting and clashing with police in recent weeks, with Morales claiming the accusations are part of a right-wing vendetta against him.
Both Morales and Arce have loyal supporters willing to take to the streets to show their backing for their respective candidates, leading to heightened tensions and potential violence between the rival factions. Arce has condemned the violence and promised a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt on Morales.
