Bolivia’s ex-leader Morales reappears in stronghold after 7-week absence
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
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Evo Morales, Bolivia's former long-serving socialist leader, made a public appearance in his political stronghold of Chapare after seven weeks of unexplained absence. This move put an end to rumors that he had fled the country following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. During his appearance in Chimore, Morales endorsed candidates for upcoming regional elections and criticized the U.S. government under Donald Trump for allegedly aiming to eliminate left-wing parties in Latin America.
Morales revealed that his prolonged absence was due to chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease causing severe joint pain and fever, which he described as having "caught me by surprise." He dismissed speculation about him trying to leave Bolivia, despite facing arrest warrants under the conservative government of President Rodrigo Paz. Morales has been evading charges of human trafficking since his ousting in 2019.
The former president's reappearance comes amid heightened tensions with Bolivian authorities. Since Paz took office last year, he has revived ties with the U.S., including bringing back the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which Morales had expelled years earlier. This move has unsettled Morales' base in the coca-growing regions, where he remains a influential figure.
Morales also addressed former President Luis Arce's arrest as part of a corruption investigation from his time as economy minister under Morales. Authorities accuse him of diverting $700 million intended for Indigenous and peasant farmers into questionable activities. These developments have deepened divisions in Bolivian politics, with Morales' supporters viewing them as politically motivated.
Morales' return signals his ongoing influence in Bolivian politics, despite challenges from the current government. His presence continues to spark debates over the future of socialism in Bolivia and its relationship with the U.S. This matters globally, as it reflects broader tensions between Latin American left-wing movements and Western governments.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026