Evo Morales, the ousted 60-year-old Bolivian ex-president and socialist, has accepted political asylum granted by Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Morales was ousted after rioters from opposing political camps clashed with one another.
The clashes came after Morales had allegedly rigged last month’s presidential elections that granted him a win on his fourth term as president in the poverty-stricken South American country.
Morales was heavily criticized for manipulating Bolivia’s laws and constitution so he could run for president a fourth time, despite a referendum which indicated otherwise.
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters at a press conference on Nov. 11: “Several minutes ago I received a phone call from Evo Morales in which he responded to our offer and verbally and formally requested political asylum in our country. The Mexican foreign ministry, after consulting interior minister Olga Sanchez Cordero, made the decision to grant him asylum… for humanitarian reasons.”
On Tuesday, Morales boarded a Mexican Air Force plane to meet up with his political ally Lopez Obrador of Mexico.
“Sisters and brothers, I leave for Mexico. It hurts to leave the country for political reasons, but I will always be watching. Soon I will return with more strength and energy,” Morales said on Twitter, Monday evening.
Hermanas y hermanos, parto rumbo a México, agradecido por el desprendimiento del gobierno de ese pueblo hermano que nos brindó asilo para cuidar nuestra vida. Me duele abandonar el país por razones políticas, pero siempre estaré pendiente. Pronto volveré con más fuerza y energía.
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 12, 2019
“The Mexican Air Force plane with Evo Morales on board has already taken off. In line with existing international conventions, he is under the protection of Mexico. His life and integrity are secure,” Ebrard confirmed on Twitter.
Ya despegó el avión de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana con Evo Morales a bordo. De acuerdo a las convenciones internacionales vigentes está bajo la protección del de México. Su vida e integridad están a salvo. pic.twitter.com/qLUEfvciux
— Marcelo Ebrard C. (@m_ebrard) November 12, 2019
It is not known at this time what Morales plans will be in his newly found homeland, nor whether he will ever be able to return to Bolivia.
