Morales Calls for International Help in Bolivia

Accuses interim govt of genocide against indigenous people

In a press conference from exile in Mexico City, former Bolivian President Evo Morales caled on the international community to intervene in Bolivia to stop what he called a “genocide” against indigenous people.

Morales was forced into exile earlier this month under military pressure, and has been replaced by an interim government that the military is backing. Claims of a coup have led to major protests, and the military has cracked down on Morales supporters.

There is a substantial racial component in this for some. Morales was the first indigenous president in the country’s history, and the new self-proclaimed interim president Jeanine Anez has a history of racist comments about indigenous people, saying that they don’t belong in Bolivia’s cities.

Anez’s past comments, combined with her conspicuously appointing a cabinet with no indigenous members, despite them being 40% of the population, has led many to conclude this is an overtly anti-indigenous government, while has led them to protest in large numbers.

Morales suggested that the UN and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights should get involved to prevent massacres, though there is as yet no sign either intends to get involved at all. With the US loudly backing the post-Morales military rule, any involvement is likely to provoke anger from the Trump Administration.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.