Former Bolivian president goes on hunger strike as supporters riot (VIDEOS)

Evo Morales’ allies have set up roadblocks as protesters clash with police

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

Groups allied with Morales have been blocking major roads for 19 days, while rallying against President Luis Arce’s economic policies and accusing the government of unfairly prosecuting the 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 ex-president added. He urged the government to agree to 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 connecting 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.

#RTPInforma