Former President Evo Morales of Bolivia claimed he survived an assassination attempt on Sunday after unidentified men opened fire on his car. The incident took place in Bolivia’s coca leaf-growing region of Chapare, where Morales was being driven. He alleged that hooded men fired at least 14 shots at his car, resulting in his driver being wounded.
Morales, who led Bolivia from 2006-2019, accused his successor, President Luis Arce, of orchestrating the attack. He claimed that the government resorted to physical force due to their inability to defeat him politically. President Arce's administration has not yet responded to the allegations.
Cellphone footage circulating online shows Morales' driver bleeding from the back of his head, with the car's windshield damaged by bullets. Morales can be heard in the video describing the attack as the vehicle swerves on the road.
The alleged assassination attempt comes amidst heightened political tensions in Bolivia, with recent incidents including an alleged attempted coup and street clashes over economic mismanagement. Morales and Arce have been engaged in a bitter political rivalry, with Morales facing accusations of statutory rape, which he has dismissed as politically motivated.
Since reports of a possible arrest warrant against him surfaced, Morales has been staying in the Chapare region under the protection of supportive coca growers. President Arce has accused Morales of undermining his administration to further his own ambitions.
The incident deepens the political divide in Bolivia, a nation facing economic challenges and social unrest. The country's future remains uncertain as Morales and Arce continue their power struggle amidst growing discontent among the population.
