Bolivia’s already volatile political landscape erupted in violent clashes on Sunday, as supporters of former president Evo Morales confronted pro-government forces and security personnel in the city of El Alto, just outside the capital La Paz. The confrontation, the second such violent escalation this week, underscored the deep divide in Bolivian society and raised concerns about the potential for further unrest ahead of the 2025 presidential election.
The violence erupted as thousands of Morales supporters continued their weeklong, 190-kilometer (118-mile) march to La Paz. The march, dubbed the “March to Save Bolivia,” is a clear demonstration of Morales’ continued influence, particularly among Bolivia’s Indigenous population. However, it has also been met with staunch opposition from President Luis Arce’s government, who view the march as a challenge to their authority and a threat to the stability of the country.
Morales and Arce, both vying for leadership of the MAS party in the upcoming election, are locked in a power struggle that has paralyzed the government, exacerbated the depletion of Bolivia’s foreign-exchange reserves, and fueled street protests.
On Sunday, the confrontation unfolded as Morales supporters pressed into the outskirts of El Alto, where security forces and Arce supporters were waiting. The two groups exchanged firecrackers, homemade explosives, and stones, while riot police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least eight people were injured in the clashes.
Morales, surrounded by supporters waving the multicolored flag symbolizing Indigenous Andean culture, sought to portray the march as a reflection of Bolivia’s cultural heritage as much as a political exercise. He praised his supporters’ “peace and enthusiasm,” highlighting the march’s focus on addressing economic grievances and the perceived mistreatment of the poor and indigenous communities.
However, the clashes painted a different picture, with each side accusing the other of instigating violence. Morales accused Arce’s government of deploying “paramilitary groups to incite violence” and busing officers into El Alto to stir up trouble, a claim echoed by Bolivia’s ombudsman. A senior minister in Arce’s government, Eduardo Del Castillo, countered by calling Morales’ march “coup-mongering.”
Arce, who earlier this year faced what he described as a military coup attempt, has increasingly accused Morales of seeking to sabotage his government. The unrest suggests that the path to the 2025 elections will be fraught with tension and potential for further violence.
Despite the violence, Morales and his supporters have pledged to continue their march to La Paz, vowing to remain until their demands are met. The government, however, has vowed to prevent the march from reaching the capital, suggesting that the coming days will be marked by continued unrest and political maneuvering.
The clash between Morales and Arce represents a broader struggle for control of Bolivia’s future, one that has deep roots in the country’s history and its ongoing economic and social challenges. As the march unfolds, the nation’s political and social fabric will be tested, with the potential for further instability and violence lurking beneath the surface.
