Coup Attempt against Bolivian President Escalates

Nov. 4, 2019 (EIRNS)—Over the past 48 hours, “pro-democracy” forces based in Santa Cruz, Bolivia have stepped up efforts to overthrow President Evo Morales, whose policies of sovereign economic development are anathema to the Wall Street and City of London financier interests backing his so-called opposition, lodged in the province of Santa Cruz in southeastern Bolivia.

On Nov. 2, the leader of the fascist-leaning Pro-Santa Cruz Civic Committee, Luis Fernando Camacho, issued an ultimatum to “the tyrant” Morales, giving him until tonight at 7:00 p.m. to resign or face “complementary measures” on top of an indefinite civic strike, road blockades, and violence. These forces have attacked government—particularly indigenous—supporters in several cities since the Oct. 20 presidential election. Morales won that election by a slim margin, not requiring a second round, but the Santa Cruz crowd, as well as failed opposition candidate Carlos Mesa, charged Morales with fraud. Hence, Camacho proclaimed, “we are not overthrowing a government but liberating an entire nation,” La Razón reported.

Morales has responded by calling the Santa Cruz operation by its right name—a coup—the Bolivian Information Agency (ABI) reported. The President has mobilized his base in the COB trade union federation, and social and peasant organizations, warning that “this is no longer an issue of elections or fraud but a threat of a coup d’état.” He called on his base to “defend the nation,” and peacefully defend democracy, while exhorting the opposition to prevent conflict that would pit Bolivians against Bolivians.

The government also asked the Organization of American States (OAS) to convene an emergency session today at 3:00 p.m. at which Foreign Minister Diego Pary will give a full briefing on the situation in the country. The OAS, whose observer delegation questioned the results of the Oct. 20 election, and had called for a second round, is now carrying out an audit of the vote, as agreed with Morales.

But the situation is fraught with danger, including death threats to Morales and his cabinet members. Today, the helicopter transporting him from Colquiri to the capital suffered a mechanical malfunction, and had to make an emergency landing, La Razón reported.