Bolivia’s Morales goes on hunger strike as supporters clash with police (VIDEOS)

The former president’s allies have been erecting roadblocks in protest against the government

Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales has declared a hunger strike as the standoff between his supporters and the government escalated on Friday. 

Groups allied with Morales have been blocking several regional roads for 19 days straight, while rallying against President Luis Arce’s economic policies and accusing the government of unfairly prosecuting the country’s former leader. 

“We do not want bloodshed. We have always sought a sincere dialogue,” Morales wrote on X, urging activists to “consider an intermission” in setting up roadblocks. 

“In the meantime, we will go on a hunger strike. The government must withdraw all military and police troops,” the former president added. He urged the government to agree to a dialogue on “economic and political issues” and promised to ask “international organizations and friendly countries” for mediation. 

The appeal came after Arce issued an ultimatum on Wednesday, threatening that the government would “exercise its constitutional powers” unless the roadblocks are removed. On Friday, police dismantled several barricades erected across a highway that connects the city of Cochabamba with the western part of the Andean country. 

“Our government has always supported dialogue. However, no dialogue is possible while the economy of the Bolivian families continues to be threatened and the right to have access to food, fuel and medicine is violated,” Arce said. At least 19 police officers have been hospitalized after clashes with protesters near the city of Parotani, according to Health Minister Maria Rene Castro.

Nov. 1st. Parotani, Cochabamba. pic.twitter.com/zJZns9vgji

— Camila (@camilapress) November 1, 2024

Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo announced that 66 people have been arrested.

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