Bolivia’s ex-leader Morales reappears in stronghold after 7-week absence

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 20, 2026 at 10:15 AM

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Former Bolivian President Evo Morales reappeared in the Chapare region, his political stronghold, after a seven-week absence, ending speculation he had fled the country. His public appearance in Chimore on Thursday included endorsing candidates for upcoming regional elections and accusing the U.S. of targeting left-wing parties in Latin America. Morales explained his absence was due to complications from chikungunya, dismissing rumors of fleeing despite an outstanding arrest warrant for human trafficking. He pledged to remain in Bolivia despite the political climate under conservative President Rodrigo Paz, whose election ended Morales's party's long rule. The reappearance follows the arrest of former President Luis Arce in December as part of a corruption investigation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Luis Arce 40% Chapare 40% Donald Trump 50% Movement Toward Socialism 50% Venezuela 50% Rodrigo Paz 60% United States ×260% Nicolás Maduro 70% Bolivia ×290% Evo Morales ×690%

Keywords

evo morales 100% bolivia 90% political stronghold 70% left-wing party 60% us influence 50% nicolas maduro 50% regional elections 50% rodrigo paz 40% human trafficking 40%