Morales asks to lift the blockades and declares a hunger strike “until the government talks”

Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales on Friday asked his supporters to lift the blockades that have blocked dozens of communications routes for 19 days, especially in Cochabamba, while at the same time declaring a hunger strike and asking the government to initiate dialogue . table.

“The situation has become complicated, and with it it becomes more difficult to find a solution that will satisfy everyone,” Morales said at a press conference, announcing that he has decided to start a hunger strike “until the government agrees to settle dialogue tables“.

These negotiations, one political and the other economic, he has suggested, should have done that international intermediaries and friendly countries to achieve a “transparent and effective” approach. Morales has argued for the need to lift these blockades to avoid “bloodshed” after clashes between his supporters and security forces intensified, including the seizure of three military barracks, as confirmed by President Luis Arce.

He has also asked his followers to consider lifting lockdowns to “avoid violence, protect the national economy and meet the needs of BoliviansAs a gesture, he said, to “build bridges and seek a peaceful solution for all.”

For his part, the President of Bolivia, Luis Arcehas reported a “first step” in opening up Cochambaba, and has committed to continue working to “liberate” the rest of the country from the blockades. He also reiterated his call for “all blockages” to be lifted as soon as possible and regretted the impossibility of reaching a solution through dialogue, which his government “has always chosen”.

Two weeks ago, Morales’ followers began to lift blockades in various parts of Bolivia, especially in Cochabamba, but also in other areas of Potosí, Oruro or Santa Cruz.

The protests, initially prompted by the economic crisis, have led to a challenge to the political aspirations of Morales, who despite not being qualified insists on running for new elections. Clashes with authorities are increasing, especially this week after he reported an alleged plan to end his life.

Meanwhile, Morales has several open lawsuits. In addition to the complaints about the destruction that took place during the major mobilization he led in September, he has recently added the attacks on the police and especially the alleged abuse of minors and human trafficking due to an alleged relationship he had with a minor one year old when he was president, and from whom a girl was born.