BOLIVIA: The death toll in Bolivia continues to rise as violent clashes take place between security forces and supporters of former president Evo Morales. On Friday, security forces opened fire on supporters of Morales in Sacaba, killing at least eight people. At least three more deaths were confirmed on Saturday. The country’s national ombudsman said on Sunday that a total of 19 people had died since the disputed election on October 20.
Meanwhile, Morales called on the United Nations to intervene on the ground in Bolivia. In an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday, Morales said he wanted the UN envoy “to be a mediator, not just a facilitator, perhaps accompanied by the Catholic church.” The former president also accused the United States of being a “great conspirator” in his ousting and said he believes Bolivian troops are set to “rebel” against those who forced him out of office. Morales argued that he still has a claim as president since the Legislative Assembly has not yet accepted his resignation, and he intends to return to Bolivia. The country’s interim president, Jeanine Áñez, has said Morales will face legal charges for election fraud if he chooses to return. Áñez has 90 days to conduct an election for a new president.
