We join thousands of organizations and millions of people across the globe in condemning the Coup carried out against President Evo Morales of Bolivia. To suggest that he voluntarily resigned ignores the demand placed on him by the military, which, along with the police, had been influenced by US intelligence services and aligned with the right wing opposition.
President Trump has lauded the Coup because it is a critical part of his administration’s efforts to overthrow progressive governments in Latin America and force failing neoliberal economic measures on the masses that have experienced some gains under the policies of the progressives. In the case of Bolivia wages and social benefits improved and as the full name of the country suggests-the Plurinational State of Bolivia-the indigenous population was recognized and brought into the political life of the country. Evo is not only a socialist but also the first Indigenous President of the majority Indigenous nation. Already the Coup backers are physically attacking the Morales’ supporters and destroying their cultural symbols.
Last week nearly 1,400 activists from 87 countries gathered in Havana, Cuba to denounce the escalation of economic attacks on Cuba but also the sanctions against Venezuela and Zimbabwe. The US supported plot by the Bolivian right was unfolding at the time and the body took note of this in the final declaration: “Congratulate the people of the Plurinational State of Bolivia for their electoral victory and President Evo Morales Ayma on his re-election, as a result of measures benefitting the people and economic growth. Likewise, we denounce the attempts at coup d’états and destabilization unleashed by sectors of the opposition, instigated by the United States, against peace and public safety in Bolivia.”
As this all plays out, the working class and popular masses in Chile continue their protests against harsh austerity measures and former Brazilian President Lula da Silva has been released from prison after 18 months based on politically motivated and bogus charges and promises to continue the fight against the Fascist Bolsanoro government. This is all a part of the resistance to the 21st century version of the Monroe Doctrine that guided US policies in the past. There have been an estimated 56 US interventions in Latin America since the late 1800’s.
The Trump regime although embroiled in defensive struggles at home is not asleep in Latin America and as long as they remain in power African descendants and Indigenous people will be vulnerable to the exploitation and violence of the elites and racists supported by the US Empire. It is imperative that we align ourselves with the anti-imperialist movement in the hemisphere to defend the gains and make new advances in the struggles for social transformation and sovereignty.
Black Workers for Justice
November 12, 2019
