Bolivia: Interim government issues arrest warrant for former President Morales December 15 /update 41

Event

Interim President Jeanine Áñez announced on Sunday, December 15, that an arrest warrant has been issued for former President Evo Morales. Should he return to the country, Áñez announced Morales would have to address pending accounts with justice. Morales has insinuated that he would potentially return to Bolivia to finish his mandate, underlining that he did, in fact, win the presidential elections. Protests by Morales supporters remain possible with the new announcement.

A heightened security presence is to be expected until the political situation stabilizes.

Context

Former President Morales resigned on November 10 following weeks of protests organized by opposition political organizations. The TSE was accused of manipulating the results of the October 20 election in favor of Morales to prevent a runoff, sparking an escalation in demonstrations nationwide. More than 30 people have been killed in clashes with security forces or between rival political supporters. Interim government leaders have announced that fresh presidential elections will take place in March 2020, though the exact date has yet to be     announced.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid traveling to Bolivia, particularly to La Paz, until the situation normalizes.

Individuals in Bolivia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in demonstration- and strike-affected areas, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.