2024 Bolivian protests

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2024 Bolivian protests
Supporter of former President Evo Morales holding a sign
that reads "Evo is not alone! Damn it, we will win!" at a rally
Date17 September 2024 – present
Location
Bolivia
Caused byDisqualification of Evo Morales' candidacy
for the 2025 election
Goals
  • Annulment of Supreme Court decision to disqualify Evo Morales candidacy
  • Resignation of Luis Arce and his government
Resulted in
  • Constitutional Court recognises Grover García as president of MAS instead of Evo Morales.
  • Factions of MAS-IPSP nominate different candidates.
  • Morales called for an election boycott.
  • Deadlock in parliament.[1][2][3]
Parties
Bolivia Protesters
Bolivia Bolivian government
Pro-Arce counter-protesters
Lead figures

Evo Morales
Ponciano Santos (CSUTCB leader, disputed)[7]

Eduardo del Castillo

Bolivia Luis Arce
Bolivia David Choquehuanca
Grover García
Guery García (CSUTCB leader, disputed)

Casualties and losses
Unknown
4+ dead[10]

The 2024 Bolivian protests, also known as the Arce-Morales crisis, were a series of demonstrations that began on September 16, 2024 held by former president Evo Morales against the sitting president Luis Arce government.[11] The protests originated from a fracture between these two leading figures of Bolivian socialism governing the Plurinational State of Bolivia, leading to internal conflict within the ruling party, the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS). The first wave of protests began in the town of Caracollo in Oruro.[12]

The demonstrations commenced with a march from the municipality of Caracollo in the Oruro Department and included roadblocks in the Bolivian Altiplano.[12][13] These actions resulted from a resolution issued by leftist political organizations during a MAS-IPSP grassroots meeting held in the Cochabamba tropics. The organizations disavowed President Luis Arce and Vice President David Choquehuanca as members of the party, accusing them of being dictators and delegitimizing their constitutional authority.[14]

MAS-IPSP under Arce's wing nominated Eduardo del Castillo for the 2025 election. Andrónico Rodríguez announced his candidacy which was rejected by Morales who called for an election boycott instead.[15][16] In August 2025, the Arcista faction of CSUTCB withdrew their support for del Castillo in favour of Rodríguez.[17]

Background

[edit]

The protests are situated within a complex political context, primarily centered on the 2024 judicial elections and the upcoming general elections scheduled for August 17, 2025.[18]

Failed 26 June coup attempt in Bolivia

In 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,[4] while Morales accused Arce of trying to eliminate his candidacy.[19][20]

On 26 June the military coup aimed against Arce by General Juan José Zúñiga was thwarted. Both Arce and Morales condemned the failed coup attempt, but later on 30 June, Morales accused Arce of staging a false coup to boost his popularity in the midst of the upcoming election.[21][22]

Participants and Factions

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The mobilizations involve multiple actors with divergent objectives and methods:

Political Factions

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  • Supporters of President Luis Arce
  • Supporters of former President Evo Morales

Other Participating Groups

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  • Subversive organizations
  • Social movements
  • Labor unions
  • Members of the Movement Towards Socialism – Political Instrument for the Sovereignty of the Peoples (MAS-IPSP)

Nature of Demonstrations

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The protests exhibit significant internal heterogeneity, ranging from:

  • Peaceful demonstrations
  • Confrontational episodes involving law enforcement
  • Instances of localized violence

Significance

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The protests reflect ongoing political tensions within Bolivia's contemporary political landscape, highlighting internal divisions within left-wing political movements.

Political Position of Luis Arce's Faction

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Key Demands

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Demand for respect of presidential mandate Assertion of democratic legitimacy through electoral victory Request for Plurinational Legislative Assembly to approve international credits.

Proposed Credit Utilization

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Credits sought from:

  • International Monetary Fund
  • Other international financial entities

Intended Public Spending Targets

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  • Health infrastructure
  • Educational systems
  • General infrastructure development

Political Rationale

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The faction argues that international credits would enable expanded public investment in critical social sectors, framing the request as essential for national development and meeting citizens' needs.

Chronology

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Early conflicts

[edit]

In October 2023, the faction loyal to Evo Morales of the Movimiento al Socialismo held a congress which expelled Luis Arce and other members of the government and declared Morales their presidential candidate.[23] In January 2024, CSUTCB expelled Evo Morales.[24]

16 September: Beginning of the protests

[edit]
Former president Evo Morales joining the March to Save Bolivia

The early stage of the protests 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.[12]

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.[25] The Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) reported that there 7 blocking points on the highway on Omasuyos Province, La Paz Department alone.[26]

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.[27]

23 September: More clashes and ultimatum

[edit]

On 23 September, violence continues to erupt between supporters of both factions of the ruling party in Plaza Murillo, La Paz. Bolivian National Police and Arce supporters gathered in the plaza to defend the Plurinational Legislative Assembly building and Palacio Quemado where both buildings are located near the plaza. As protesters from both sides are firing at each others with stones and firecrackers, riot police begin to open fire against the protesters by throwing tear gas. Other clashes were also reported in adjacent city of El Alto.[28][29]

At the same time, former president Evo Morales has given Luis Arce government ultimatum to make cabinet change within 24 hours or expect more protests from his supporters. Morales also stated that the Bolivian people had “enough of betrayal and above all enough of corruption, protection of drug trafficking and economic mismanagement”. Bolivian foreign minister Celinda Sosa Lunda rejected Morales ultimatum and said his ultimatum has threatened the country democratic stability.[28] president Luis Arce and vice-president David Choquehuanca later demanded Morales to come for a dialogue on Sunday to resolve the internal conflict and avoid further violence that could cause a "civil war".[30]

27–28 October: Assassination attempt against Morales

[edit]

On 27 October, Morales said that he was targeted by an assassination attempt backed by the Bolivian government.[31][32] The Bolivian government denied this however.

In the days following the assassination attempt, Pro-Morales protestors occupied a military barrack holding up to 200 military personnel hostage.[33][34] A standoff had already developed before the occupation, with protestors throwing dynamite at the Bolivian police from nearby hills while police responded with tear gas.[33]

November 2024: Party Split

[edit]

On 15 November 2024, Constitutional Court recognises Grover García as president of MAS instead of Evo Morales.[35]

On 20 February 2025, Morales agreed to run for the Front for the Victory (FPV).[36] On 31 March 2025, Morales launched EVO Pueblo to run for the 2025 election.[37] On 20 May 2025, the TSE announced that the party cannot compete and its license was annuled.[38]

On 3 May 2025, Andrónico Rodríguez announced his bit for president.[39] On 16 May 2025, MAS nominated Eduardo del Castillo as candidate after Acre withdrew the day earlier.[40][41] On 18 May 2025, Popular Alliance announced that Rodríguez will be their candidate.[42]

June 2025: Militant Clashes

[edit]

In June 2025, Pro-Morales protestors blocked highways across the country and fought with officials who attempted to clear the blockade, resulting in the deaths of several police officers and one firefighter. The government blamed these clashes on pro-Morales paramilitaries and deployed tanks on 12 June to Llallagua, where the most significant clashes between authorities and protesters occurred.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Spotlight: The projects affected by Bolivia's legislative deadlock". BNamericas. February 15, 2024.
  2. ^ "Bolivia's Divided Left Is at Risk of Losing Power". Jacobin. 7 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Bolivia's bitter divide". International Politics and Society. 8 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b Paola Flores (September 17, 2024). "Bolivia's iconic ex-President Morales calls for anti-government march as political fight escalates". Associated Press.
  5. ^ a b Agnes Sieben (20 September 2024). "Machtkampf in der MAS-Partei: Boliviens Krise verlagert sich auf die Straßen". amerika21 (in German).
  6. ^ "Pacto de Unidad 'evista' bloquea desde mañana". Correo del Sur (in Spanish). 13 October 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Arigho Stiles (13 March 2025). "Das sozialistische Lager in Bolivien ist tief gespalten". amerika21 (in German).
  8. ^ "Pacto de Unidad arcista califica de "traidor" a Evo por llamar a una lucha armada contra el gobierno". Erbol (in Spanish). 26 January 2025.
  9. ^ "Csutcb advierte a Del Castillo y Andrónico: "Si hay algún fracaso, van a ser culpables"". Correo del Sur (in Spanish). 13 August 2025.
  10. ^ a b "Bolivia anti-government protests turn deadly as tensions rise". Reuters. 12 June 2025.
  11. ^ "Bolivia braces for turmoil as antigovernment protesters begin march". Al Jazeera. September 18, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "Bolivia: afines a Evo Morales bloquean vías contra Luis Arce". Deutsche Welle (in Spanish). September 17, 2024.
  13. ^ "Evo Morales supporters confirm blockades starting Monday". DW. Jan 22, 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  14. ^ Atahuichi, Ruben (Sep 3, 2024). "MAS announces a march starting on September 17 and gives Arce an ultimatum". La Razon. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  15. ^ "Bolivia: Meet the Candidates 2025". Americas Quarterly. July 24, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  16. ^ "Crises and fear grip Bolivia as divisive elections loom". The Irish Times. Aug 5, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  17. ^ "Facción de la Csutcb arcista retira apoyo a Eduardo del Castillo y respalda candidatura de Andrónico". eju.tv (in Spanish). Aug 13, 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Presidential elections will be held on August 17, 2025, says member Tahuichi". Unitel. Aug 17, 2024. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ 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.
  21. ^ Grant, Will (27 June 2024). "Bolivian police arrest leader of apparent coup attempt". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  22. ^ Janetsky, Megan (2024-06-30). "Bolivian president orchestrated a 'self-coup,' political rival Evo Morales claims". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on 30 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Offener Konflikt in Boliviens Regierungspartei MAS". amerika21 (in German). Oct 7, 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  24. ^ "Ampliado de la CSUTCB decide expulsar a Evo y "suspenderlo" como presidente del MAS". Opinión Bolivia (in Spanish). Jan 19, 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  25. ^ "Expresidente Evo Morales encabeza movilización hacia La Paz contra el gobierno de Luis Arce" (in Spanish). CNN. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ "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.
  28. ^ a b "Tension in Bolivia as Morales issues 24-hour ultimatum to Arce government". aljazeera.com. Al Jazeera English. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  29. ^ Karita, Juan; Valdez, Carlos (23 September 2024). "Rival protesters clash in Bolivia as ex-President Evo Morales leads a march to the capital". Associated Press. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  30. ^ "Previo a la llegada de la marcha de Evo Morales a La Paz, Luis Arce dijo que no renunciará ni habrá una guerra civil en Bolivia". infobae.com. Infobae. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  31. ^ "Evo Morales says his car was shot at in assassination attempt". BBC News. 27 October 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  32. ^ Machicao, Monica; Elliott, Lucinda (29 October 2024). "Bolivia's Morales says government has 'dark plot to destroy' him after alleged car attack". Reuters. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Bolivia's military says armed group holding soldiers captive". Deutsche Welle. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  34. ^ "Bolivia military post seized and soldiers kidnapped". BBC. 3 November 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  35. ^ "Constitutional ruling disqualifies Evo Morales as MAS leader". Prensa Latina. November 15, 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  36. ^ "Bolivia's Morales runs for president again, defying term limit". France24. March 20, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  37. ^ "BOLIVIA: Morales launches new party as MAS moves on". LatinNews. April 3, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  38. ^ "Evo Morales von Wahlen ausgeschlossen". Nachrichtenpool Lateinamerika (in German). May 25, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  39. ^ "Bolivia Senate President Rodriguez Plans to Run for President". Bloomberg News. May 4, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  40. ^ "Bolivia's ruling party appoints minister as presidential". The Times of India. May 17, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  41. ^ "Bolivia's ruling party launches Gov't Minister's presidential bid and has him deal with Evo's protest". MercoPress. May 17, 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  42. ^ "Alianza Popular presenta a Andrónico Rodríguez como su candidato presidencial". La Patria (in Spanish). May 18, 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.