2024 Bolivian protest

Supporter of former President Evo Morales holding sign in support of his re-election

Date| 17 September 2024 – present
Location|

Bolivia

Caused by| Disqualification of Evo Morales candidacy for 2025 election
Parties

Protesters

* Movement for Socialism (Evo Morales faction)
* Red Ponchos
* Unified Syndical Confederation of Peasant Workers of Bolivia

Government of Bolivia

* Movement for Socialism (Luis Arce faction)

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Lead figures

Evo Morales

Luis Arce

The 2024 Bolivian protest is an ongoing weeklong nationwide protest held by former president Evo Morales against the sitting president Luis Arce government[1] The first wave of protest began in the town of Caracollo in Oruro.[2]

## Background

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On 2023, the Bolivian Supreme Court barred former president Evo Morales from seeking another presidential term in 2025 election. However, a faction of the Movement for Socialism party loyal to him tried to force the court to back down, this caused tension between Morales and his successor, and former finance minister, Luis Arce. Arce has accused Morales of trying to plan a coup against him,[3] while Morales accused Arce of trying to eliminate his candidacy.[4][5]

## Chronology

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### 16 September: Beginning of the protest

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Former president Evo Morales joining the March to Save Bolivia

The early stage of the protest broke out in first hour of 16 September when a group of Red Ponchos and trade unionists organised a march demanding the resignation of president Luis Arce and his government. The Red Ponchos said to have blocked the road access to the capital La Paz.[2]

### 17 September: March to Save Bolivia

[edit]

The march to La Paz began on the morning of 17 September with meeting point being concentrated in Caracollo, Oruro. Barricades were set up by protesters on most Bolivian highways that connect each departments in Bolivia. During the march, Morales challenged Arce and accusing his government of rampant injustice and inequality.[6] The Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) reported that there 7 blocking points on the highway on Omasuyos Province, La Paz Department alone.[7]

In Vila Vila, the clashes reportedly erupt between the pro-Morales faction and pro-Arce faction of protesters. Protesters from both factions are seen throwing rocks and fireworks on each other without any police presence in the location. Some of protesters were able to get out of the town and continued to march to Palacio Quemado, La Paz.[8]

### 23 September: Arce's ultimatum

[edit]

## References

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1. ^ "Bolivia braces for turmoil as antigovernment protesters begin march". Al Jazeera. September 18, 2024.
2. ^ a b "Bolivia: afines a Evo Morales bloquean vías contra Luis Arce". Deutsche Welle (in Spanish). September 17, 2024.
3. ^ Flores, Paola (16 September 2024). "Bolivia's iconic ex-President Morales calls for anti-government march as political fight escalates". AP News. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
4. ^ "Bolivian President Luis Arce accuses ex-leader Evo Morales of planning a 'coup'". batimes.com.ar. Buenos Aires Times. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
5. ^ Sivak, Martín; Molina, Federico Rivas (22 July 2024). "Evo Morales, former president of Bolivia: 'The government's only plan is to eliminate my candidacy'". elpais.com. El País. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
6. ^ "Expresidente Evo Morales encabeza movilización hacia La Paz contra el gobierno de Luis Arce" (in Spanish). CNN. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
7. ^ "Reportan seis puntos de bloqueo en ruta a Copacabana, en el segundo día de protesta de los Ponchos Rojos" (in Spanish). Los Tiempos. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
8. ^ "Marcha evista se enfrentó con piedras y petardos a arcistas y los rodeó en los cerros para pasar Vila Vila". unitel.bo (in Spanish). 17 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.

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