A hostage taking takes place in Bolivia. 200 soldiers are held back by supporters of ex-president Evo Morales. They stormed three military barracks. Anti-government demonstrations have been underway for around twenty days in the country.
Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales are holding at least 200 soldiers hostage, after the assault on three barracks as part of anti-government demonstrations which began in the country around twenty days ago, according to the authorities.
Friday, “three military units were attacked by irregular groups in the Chapare area, in the department of Cochabamba, who took more than 200 soldiers hostage“, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement to the international community.
They also “seized with weapons of war and ammunition“added the ministry.
In the same region, the Bolivian government sent the army to help police clear roads blocked by supporters of Mr. Morales, who denounce a “political persecution” of their leader, whose ambition is to return to power.
Initially, the authorities reported the occupation of a regiment's barracks by demonstrators on Friday in Cochabamba. A Defense source then reported to AFP that “twenties” of detained soldiers.
In a video broadcast by the local press and confirmed by this source, we saw 16 soldiers surrounded by peasants brandishing pointy sticks. “Cacique Maraza's regiment was taken by groups from Tipnis, they cut off our water and electricity, they took us hostage” a soldier says in the video.
The Tipnis are known as the indigenous territories of Chapare, where Evo Morales, a former coca farmer and the first indigenous person to govern Bolivia (2006-2019), has his strongest political base.
Hunger strike
The former president announced Friday that he was starting a hunger strike to demand dialogue with the government of President Luis Arce so that he “sets up (…) discussion committees“political and economic.
“And for the dialogue to be viable, responsible and yield results, I request the participation of international organizations from friendly countries“, he continued.
The former president assured that his hunger strike would continue “until the release of all (his) comrades” arrested by the police. According to the authorities, 66 people were arrested on Friday, in addition to around fifty others since the start of the unrest on October 14.
Supporters of the ex-president have been blocking around twenty roads in central Bolivia since the start of the movement, supporting their leader who was prevented from running in the 2025 presidential election by a court decision disqualifying him.
Evo Morales, 65, is under criminal investigation over accusations of raping a 15-year-old girl while he was head of the country, which he denies.
The protests have spread and demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of President Luis Arce, whom they accuse of being responsible for the fuel shortages Bolivia is experiencing due to lack of foreign currency to buy it.
A former ally of Mr. Morales, Luis Arce came to power in November 2020. The two men are vying for control of the left and the nomination for the next presidential election
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