Bolivia's Evo Morales tells AP he'll press on with a hunger strike until his rival accepts dialogue
Read full article: Bolivia's Evo Morales tells AP he'll press on with a hunger strike until his rival accepts dialogueBolivia’s transformative and divisive former President Evo Morales has told the Associated Press that he would press on with a hunger strike until the government of his protégé-turned-rival agreed to a political dialogue.
Bolivia's former President Evo Morales claims his car was shot at in attempted assassination
Read full article: Bolivia's former President Evo Morales claims his car was shot at in attempted assassinationFormer President Evo Morales of Bolivia claims he survived an assassination attempt on Sunday after unidentified men opened fire on his car.
Rival protesters clash in Bolivia as ex-President Evo Morales leads a march to the capital
Read full article: Rival protesters clash in Bolivia as ex-President Evo Morales leads a march to the capitalBolivia’s pro-government supporters and security forces have confronted protesters loyal to former President Evo Morales in a street melee.
March for Bolivia's ex-President Morales turns violent, as political crisis escalates
Read full article: March for Bolivia's ex-President Morales turns violent, as political crisis escalatesThousands of anti-government demonstrators marching in support of Bolivia’s former socialist President Evo Morales were clashing with counterprotesters blocking their way, a stark sign of an escalating power struggle in the volatile Andean nation.
Bolivia's iconic ex-President Morales calls for anti-government march as political fight escalates
Read full article: Bolivia's iconic ex-President Morales calls for anti-government march as political fight escalatesEvo Morales, Bolivia’s former president, has called on supporters to protest against current President Luis Arce.
Bolivia's president promises public votes on fuel subsidies and constitutionality of reelection
Read full article: Bolivia's president promises public votes on fuel subsidies and constitutionality of reelectionBolivia’s socialist President Luis Arce says national referenda will be held soon on the removal of politically combustible fuel subsidies and on the constitutionality of presidential reelections.
Bolivia's beleaguered president announces natural gas discovery, promising a boon for the country
Read full article: Bolivia's beleaguered president announces natural gas discovery, promising a boon for the countryBolivia’s embattled president has announced the discovery of vast natural gas reserves just north of the capital, describing it as the biggest find in nearly two decades that could help the cash-strapped country reverse its falling production.
Bolivia summons Argentine ambassador for reprimand over its claims of a fake coup
Read full article: Bolivia summons Argentine ambassador for reprimand over its claims of a fake coupThe Bolivian government has summoned the Argentine ambassador to address the country’s claims that the attempted military coup that rattled Bolivia last week was a hoax.
Bolivian president orchestrated a 'self-coup,' political rival Evo Morales claims
Read full article: Bolivian president orchestrated a 'self-coup,' political rival Evo Morales claimsFormer Bolivian President Evo Morales is accusing his political ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of deceiving the Bolivian people by staging a “self-coup” last week.
Bolivia’s leader says the general accused of leading failed coup wanted to 'take over' as president
Read full article: Bolivia’s leader says the general accused of leading failed coup wanted to 'take over' as presidentBolivian President Luis Arce says a former general intended to take over the government and become president in a failed coup, and he denies that the Andean nation is experiencing an economic crisis.
Bolivian government says it detained 4 more people in connection with a failed coup attempt
Read full article: Bolivian government says it detained 4 more people in connection with a failed coup attemptBolivian government officials say they have arrested four more people in connection with a failed coup attempt.
Bolivia’s president lambasts accusations of a self-coup as 'lies' as his supporters rally
Read full article: Bolivia’s president lambasts accusations of a self-coup as 'lies' as his supporters rallyBolivian President Luis Arce has denied being behind an attempted coup against him and said the general who apparently led it “acted on his own,” lashing out at accusations that he had asked for the mutiny in a plan to boost his popularity.
How tensions in Bolivia fueled an attempt to oust President Arce from power
Read full article: How tensions in Bolivia fueled an attempt to oust President Arce from powerArmored vehicles rammed into the doors of Bolivia’s government palace as President Luis Arce said his country faced an apparent attempted coup.
President Luis Arce's career has mirrored Bolivia's economic trajectory from boom to bust
Read full article: President Luis Arce's career has mirrored Bolivia's economic trajectory from boom to bustThe president of Bolivia is a 60-year-old leftist whom many see as an opponent of Washington-backed free-market and neoliberal policies.
Bolivian president warns “irregular” military deployment under way in capital, raising coup fears
Read full article: Bolivian president warns “irregular” military deployment under way in capital, raising coup fearsArmored vehicles rammed into the doors of Bolivia’s government palace Wednesday as President Luis Arce said the country faced an attempted coup and urged people to mobilize.
Bolivia: Opposition blockades push for leader's release
Read full article: Bolivia: Opposition blockades push for leader's releaseTrucks are snarled and people in the Santa Cruz region have to find ways to skirt blockades that opposition leaders set up across the area considered to be Bolivia's economic engine to protest the detention of Gov_ Luis Fernando Camacho late last year on “terrorism charges.”.
Bolivia: Spanish, Chilean lawmakers meddled in local affairs
Read full article: Bolivia: Spanish, Chilean lawmakers meddled in local affairsA Spanish lawmaker says he was formally kicked out of Bolivia as he was getting ready to leave the South American country after he visited to demand the release of opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho.
US supports calls for external ethics probe into OAS chief
Read full article: US supports calls for external ethics probe into OAS chiefThe head of the Organization of American States is facing a call from the Biden administration for an external probe into possible misconduct tied to his intimate relationship with a subordinate.
Org. of American States boss faces probe over relationship
Read full article: Org. of American States boss faces probe over relationshipThe Associated Press has learned that the head of the Organization of American States is facing an internal investigation into allegations he carried on an intimate relationship with a staffer that may have violated the organization’s code of ethics.
ICC denies Bolivia request to investigate ex-leader Morales
Read full article: ICC denies Bolivia request to investigate ex-leader MoralesThe International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor says he will not launch a full investigation into allegations that former Bolivian President Evo Morales and his supporters committed crimes against humanity.
Report shines light on abuse by Bolivia's interim government
Read full article: Report shines light on abuse by Bolivia's interim governmentBolivia’s past interim government came to power by sidestepping constitutional rules for presidential succession and relied on systematic torture to persecute opponents in the tumultuous aftermath of Evo Morales’ resignation in 2019.
Students' struggles pushed Peru teacher to run for president
Read full article: Students' struggles pushed Peru teacher to run for presidentAs schools across Peru closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pedro Castillo tried to find a way to keep classes going for his 20 fifth- and sixth-grade students.
US questions legality of Bolivian arrests of ex-officials
Read full article: US questions legality of Bolivian arrests of ex-officialsThe United States said Saturday, March 27, 2021, that it is concerned about increasingly anti-democratic behavior and the politicization of the legal system in Bolivia following the arrests of officials from the countrys former interim government. (AP Photo/Juan Karita, File)LA PAZ – The United States said Saturday that it is concerned about increasingly ″anti-democratic behavior and the politicization of the legal system” in Bolivia following the arrests of officials from the country’s former interim government. He noted that the European Union, the Bolivian Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as Bolivian and international human rights organizations, had also expressed concerns. AdProsecutors accuse Áñez, who assumed the presidency following Morales’ resignation and exile, of terrorism and sedition for unrest that led to his ouster. Morales’ Movement Toward Socialism won last year’s elections with 55% of the vote under Morales’ chosen candidate Luis Arce, who took the presidency in November.
Bolivia arrests ex-leader in crackdown on opposition
Read full article: Bolivia arrests ex-leader in crackdown on oppositionBolivia's former interim President Jeanine Anez is escorted into a police station after giving her statement at the prosectors's office, in La Paz, Bolivia, Saturday, March 13, 2021. “This is not justice,” said former President Carlos Mesa, who has finished second to Morales in several elections. Áñez, a legislator who had been several rungs down the ladder of presidential succession, was vaulted into the interim presidency. It won last year's elections with 55% of the vote under Morales' chosen candidate Luis Arce, who took the presidency in November. New Justice Minister Iván Lima said that Áñez, 53, faces charges related to her actions as an opposition senator, not as former president.
Bolivia's ex-interim leader says authorities seek her arrest
Read full article: Bolivia's ex-interim leader says authorities seek her arrestFILE - In this Nov. 15, 2019 file photo, Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez speaks during a press conference in La Paz, Bolivia. Anez said on Friday, March 12, 2021, that the new government has issued a warrant for her arrest. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)LA PAZ – Bolivia's former interim president said Friday that authorities are seeking her arrest as they move against officials who backed the ouster of former leader Evo Morales, which his party — now back in power — considers a coup. “The political persecution has begun,” Jeanine Añez, who headed a conservative administration that took power after Morales resigned in November 2019, said on her Twitter account. But Morales' party won election again under his chosen successor, Luis Arce, and the former leader has returned home.
Evo Morales es dado de alta tras recuperarse de COVID-19
Read full article: Evo Morales es dado de alta tras recuperarse de COVID-19All rights reserved)LA PAZ – El expresidente Evo Morales se recuperó del nuevo coronavirus y fue dado de alta el domingo de una clínica privada en medio de un rebrote de la enfermedad por el país andino. “Me siento muy bien, me siento recuperado”, dijo Morales en una conferencia de prensa junto con dos doctores que lo atendieron, tras ser dado de alta de la clínica en Cochabamba, en el centro de Bolivia. “La pandemia es fregadita pero cuando se cumple con las recetas médicas se puede superar al virus”, agregó. El primer presidente indígena de Bolivia siempre fue hermético con su salud, sus controles médicos los realizó en Cuba, incluso una cirugía en su garganta. En noviembre del año pasado retornó al país después que su partido ganó las elecciones.
Legislative election leaves Venezuela in political standoff
Read full article: Legislative election leaves Venezuela in political standoff(AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)CARACAS – President Nicolás Maduro has cemented formal control over all major institutions of power in Venezuela with authorities reporting Monday that his political alliance easily won a majority in congress. Yet he remains a pariah to much of the world following an election critics called deeply undemocratic. “The results of the election show a discouraged, tired people, the vast majority doing everything possible to survive,” Shifter said. The U.S., Panama, Canada and Germany have repeated their condemnation of the the election by Maduro's government following announcement of the results. "The international community now has to decide whether it wants to live with that or restore the democratic path for Venezuela.
Evo Morales returns to Bolivia, ending year in exile
Read full article: Evo Morales returns to Bolivia, ending year in exileFormer President Evo Morales waves during a rally with supporters in Villazon, Bolivia, Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, after he walked across a border bridge from Argentina. Morales, who fled into exile after resigning last November, returned to his homeland the day after the presidential inauguration of his former finance minister Luis Arce. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)LA PAZ – Former President Evo Morales returned to Bolivia on Monday following an election that returned his socialist party to power a year after he fled the nation amid a wave of protests. Indigenous supporters of Morales greeted him at the border with chants of, “Evo! Meanwhile, newly inaugurated President Arce swore in 16 new cabinet ministers who will help him confront the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a sharp economic contraction.
Final count gives leftist big victory in Bolivia election
Read full article: Final count gives leftist big victory in Bolivia electionLuis Arce, presidential candidate for the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, speaks during an interview at his campaign headquarters in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, two days after elections. Officials have not released a formal quick count of results from Sundays vote, but the MAS party claimed victory in the presidential election as rival candidates conceded defeat. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)LA PAZ – A final official vote count released Friday gave leftist Luis Arce a smashing victory in Bolivia's presidential election, a vindication for the Movement Toward Socialism party of ousted President Evo Morales, who was barred from running. Last year's presidential election was annulled after protests broke out over alleged fraud by Morales, who had claimed a narrow first-round victory. Morales, who faces a series of charges lodged by the interim administration, was barred from seeking office.
Morales party claims win as Bolivia seems to shift back left
Read full article: Morales party claims win as Bolivia seems to shift back leftThe leading rival of Morales's handpicked successor, Luis Arce, conceded defeat as did interim President Jeanine Áñez, a bitter foe of Morales. Áñez's government tried to overturn many of Morales' policies and wrench the country away from its leftist alliances. “Arce is not Morales, but the question is, who is going to govern Bolivia facing the approaching crisis," said political science professor Franklin Pareja. He shrugged aside a public vote that had set term limits, and competed in the October 2019 presidential vote, which he claimed to have narrowly won outright. When police and military leaders suggested he leave, Morales resigned and fled the country, along with several key aides.
A tense Bolivia awaits voting results in redo amid pandemic
Read full article: A tense Bolivia awaits voting results in redo amid pandemicAdding to intrigue, publication of two exit polls were withheld after private pollsters said they didn’t trust their own survey results. Bolivians have long been accustomed to quick preliminary results in presidential elections. He was barred from running for the presidency or even the Senate by electoral authorities following his ouster. He shrugged aside a public vote that had set term limits, and competed in the October 2019 presidential vote, which he claimed to have narrowly won outright. She dropped out at as a candidate for Sunday’s presidential election while trailing badly in polls.
He's not running, but Morales looms large in Bolivia vote
Read full article: He's not running, but Morales looms large in Bolivia vote(AP Photo/Juan Karita, File)LA PAZ – Even in exile, Evo Morales looms over Bolivia’s election next month. Morales, a 60-year-old former coca farmer and union leader, faces terrorism and other charges in Bolivia and is not an election candidate this year. Its presidential candidate, Luis Arce, is a former economy minister who oversaw a nationalization program when Morales was president. Morales' detractors fear a MAS election victory could open the way to the former president's return to Bolivia and his political rehabilitation. ___Associated Press writer Carlos Valdez reported this story in La Paz, Bolivia, and AP writer Christopher Torchia reported from Mexico City.
HRW: Bolivia case against Morales is politically motivated
Read full article: HRW: Bolivia case against Morales is politically motivatedMAS is the party of former President Evo Morales who was ousted on 10 November 2019, after 21 days of civil protests amid allegations of electoral fraud. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)LA PAZ – Terrorism charges against former Bolivian President Evo Morales appear to be politically motivated and are part of a wider campaign by Bolivia’s interim government to use the justice system against political opponents, Human Rights Watch said Friday. A similar pattern of judicial abuses occurred during the administration of Morales, the group said. Officials in Bolivia’s interim government alleged that Morales, during continuing upheaval after his resignation, gave an instruction in a telephone call that followers should surround cities to prevent food supplies reaching the inhabitants. The interim government denied it was using the justice system against opponents and said Bolivia’s judicial authorities were selected by Morales supporters when he was in power.
Bolivia calls on ICC to investigate Morales over blockades
Read full article: Bolivia calls on ICC to investigate Morales over blockadesAfter 14 years in power, Morales resigned under pressure from the military and police on Nov. 10 amid widespread protests and disturbances alleging he was attempting to fraudulently claim reelection. Morales was the country's first Indigenous president and remains a powerful influence in the country. In addition, the government is also responsible for the massacre in November's protests and doesn't say anything, lawmaker Sergio Choque said. Prosecutors will weigh whether they have jurisdiction and whether the case is admissible under the court's rules before deciding whether to launch an investigation. The sanctions were immediately denounced by the court, the United Nations and human rights advocates.
Bolivia's political crisis threatens hospitals and patients
Read full article: Bolivia's political crisis threatens hospitals and patientsA nurse attends to a newborn baby in the intensive care unit of the Women's Hospital maternity ward in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Bolivia's political and social crisis is coinciding with the continued spread of the new coronavirus across one of Latin America's poorest countries. Bolivia's political crisis adds to the burden on its health care system, which was already grappling with the coronavirus as it continues to spread across one of Latin America's poorest countries. Now, after about 10 days of blockades, supplies are threatened in some hospitals that are also dealing with an escalating number of COVID-19 patients, according to officials. Hospitals filled up with patients, and funeral homes were besieged by grieving relatives looking to bury their dead.
Bolivia delays presidential election due to pandemic
Read full article: Bolivia delays presidential election due to pandemicPolice in Bolivias major cities have recovered the bodies of hundreds of suspected victims of the coronavirus from homes, vehicles, and in some instances, the streets. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)LA PAZ Bolivia's highest electoral authority on Thursday delayed presidential elections by more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal moved the election date from Sep. 6 to Oct. 18, the third time the vote has been delayed. Morales has said vote delays would extend the country's crisis of legitimacy, make it even harder to govern, and would worsen the pandemic. Bolivia has more than 64,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more than 2,300 deaths, a toll that is overwhelming its hospitals and other infrastructure.
Bolivia's September vote in doubt as virus death toll rises
Read full article: Bolivia's September vote in doubt as virus death toll risesBolivia's Institute of Forensic Investigations said that nationally from April 1 through July 19, its workers had recovered 3,016 bodies of people in possible COVID-19 cases. Police said they have recovered 420 bodies from streets, vehicles and homes in the capital of La Paz, and in Bolivias biggest city, Santa Cruz, in the span of five days. Between 80% and 90% of them are believed to have had the virus. Bolivia has reported nearly 2,300 confirmed deaths from COVID-10, although the real number is believed to be higher. Arce has alleged the government of interim President Jeanine ez is using the pandemic as a pretext to extend itself.Six of the eight parties in Bolivias election race have said they favor a postponement.
In Bolivian city, people buy fake - and toxic - virus cure
Read full article: In Bolivian city, people buy fake - and toxic - virus cureAccording to city officials, ten elders have died in the last two weeks at the care facility after COVID-19 related symptoms. The Health Ministry cannot risk recommending something that doesnt have a scientific basis, said Miguel ngel Delgado, a senior ministry official. However, Bolivias opposition-controlled congress is promoting the use of chlorine dioxide. Many fearful residents in Cochabamba, where opposition support is strong, are giving chlorine dioxide a try. Cochabamba has reported about 440 deaths from COVID-19, or one-quarter of the total number of reported deaths in Bolivia.
COVID hits dozens of Latin leaders, including presidents
Read full article: COVID hits dozens of Latin leaders, including presidentsFILE - In this May 25, 2020, file photo, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, wearing a face mask amid the coronavirus pandemic, stands among supporters as he leaves his official residence of Alvorada palace in Brasilia, Brazil. Bolsonaro said Tuesday, July 7, he tested positive for COVID-19 after months of downplaying the virus's severity while deaths mounted rapidly inside the country. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
COVID hits dozens of Latin leaders, including presidents
Read full article: COVID hits dozens of Latin leaders, including presidentsBolsonaro said Tuesday, July 7, he tested positive for COVID-19 after months of downplaying the virus's severity while deaths mounted rapidly inside the country. And in Venezuela, 57-year-old socialist party chief Diosdado Cabello said Thursday on Twitter that he, too, had tested positive, at least temporarily sidelining a larger-than-life figure considered the second-most-powerful person in the country. An Associated Press review of official statements from public officials across Latin America found at least 49 confirmed cases of new coronavirus in leaders ranging from presidents to mayors of large cities, along with dozens, likely hundreds, of officials from smaller cities and towns. Many leaders have used their diagnoses to call on the public to heighten precautions like social distancing and mask wearing. They have to be responsible.Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei placed his entire Cabinet and their staff in quarantine Thursday after one of his ministers tested positive.
Spread of coronavirus fuels corruption in Latin America
Read full article: Spread of coronavirus fuels corruption in Latin AmericaEven amid a global pandemic, theres no sign that corruption is slowing down in Latin America. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)MIAMI Even in a pandemic, there's no slowdown for swindlers in Latin America. Coronavirus clusters are still spreading in Latin America, fueling a spike in deaths, swamping already-precarious hospitals and threatening to ravage slumping economies. To be sure, disasters breed corruption all over the world, not just in Latin America. But stealing state funds is especially vexing in Latin America because of gaping poverty and a tattered social safety net.
Bolivia crisis: Death toll rises, security forces overwhelm protesters
Read full article: Bolivia crisis: Death toll rises, security forces overwhelm protestersInternational monitors have warned about potential human rights abuses and called on Bolivia's government and opposition to resolve the political crisis peacefully. Their deaths take the number of people killed in political unrest to 23 since the October 20 president election, according to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Former President Evo Morales denied any electoral fraud, but he eventually resigned amid pressure and fled to Mexico where he was granted political asylum. International monitors have warned about potential human rights abuses and called on Bolivia's government and opposition to resolve the political crisis peacefully. Morales was the first indigenous Bolivian elected president and led the country for 14 years.
What next for Bolivia?
Read full article: What next for Bolivia?Supporters of former president Evo Morales block a road to an oil refinery as part of a protest against the new Interim President of Bolivia, Jeanine Aez. LA PAZ, Bolivia - A simple haircut can make Alfredo Mamani feel like things are getting back to normal. The school teacher is glad to get a trim after three tense weeks in Bolivia that have upturned its government. Alicia Valenciana, who calls herself a chola -- the name used by indigenous peasant women in Bolivia -- says she thinks Evo Morales was falsely accused of fraud, but nevertheless welcomes a change in leadership after his nearly 14 years in office. The group of street vendors outside the teleferico stations, disappointed as they are that the nation's first indigenous presidency has ended, say it's time for new blood to lead Bolivia.
Morales warns Bolivian leaders not to 'stain themselves with blood'
Read full article: Morales warns Bolivian leaders not to 'stain themselves with blood'Protests in the country's main city La Paz broke out Wednesday amid calls from Morales and his backers to reject newly declared interim president Jeanine Anez. LA PAZ, Bolivia - Former Bolivian President Evo Morales has warned government officials not to "stain themselves with the blood of the people," after his supporters took to the streets in support of the embattled former leader. Protests in the country's main city La Paz broke out Wednesday amid calls from Morales and his backers to reject newly declared interim president Jeanine Anez. Morales and his political party were accused of rigging the vote, a charge the longtime leftist Bolivian leader denies. Morales had long enjoyed support among many for his leftist policies to reduce poverty and support indigenous Bolivians.
Bolivian senator declares herself acting president
Read full article: Bolivian senator declares herself acting presidentThe three people ahead of her in the line of succession quit in the wake of massive protests following Morales' resignation. LA PAZ, Bolivia - Bolivian senator Jeanine Anez declared herself the country's acting leader Tuesday, despite a boycott by former President Evo Morales' allies that left the legislative chamber short of the legal minimum number of lawmakers required to appoint her. Anez said she would become interim president after the three people ahead of her in the line of succession quit in the wake of massive protests following Morales' resignation. Morales denied the allegations and declared himself winner. The longtime leader -- and first indigenous Bolivian elected President -- was granted political asylum by Mexico, but it took him some time to arrive in the country.
Bolivian President Evo Morales steps down
Read full article: Bolivian President Evo Morales steps down(CNN) - Bolivian President Evo Morales resigned Sunday amid growing opposition after an international audit found the results of last month's election could not be validated due to "serious irregularities." Demonstrators and the Bolivian opposition had accused electoral authorities of manipulating the vote count in favor of Morales, the country's longtime socialist leader. It's unclear who will become presidentVice President lvaro Garca Linera also announced his resignation minutes after Morales. In the hours after polls closed, preliminary results showed Morales slightly ahead of his opponent, former President Carlos Mesa. Calls for Morales' resignation grew over the weekend.
Bolivian protesters claim presidential election rigged
Read full article: Bolivian protesters claim presidential election riggedLA PAZ, Bolivia - Tensions continue to rise on the streets of the Bolivian administrative capital La Paz, with angry crowds accusing authorities of fraud in Sunday's presidential election. Protesters and the opposition claim electoral authorities manipulated the vote count in favor of President Evo Morales, the nation's longtime socialist leader. On Monday night protesters raided two Electoral Tribunal buildings in different Bolivian cities, according to Bolivian news agency ABI. Amid accusations of fraud, the vice president of the Bolivian Supreme Electoral Court, Antonio Costas, announced his resignation Tuesday night. President Morales, who is seeking his fourth term in office, claimed victory over the weekend and is expected to make televised remarks on Wednesday morning local time.
Fires destroy more than 4.2 million wild acres in Bolivia
Read full article: Fires destroy more than 4.2 million wild acres in BoliviaLA PAZ, Bolivia - It's not just the Brazilian Amazon burning -- fires in Bolivia have ravaged more than 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres) of land, according to Bolivian officials. The website of Bolivia's Santa Cruz region described finding charred animals in its devastated lands, and others desperately searching for food and water. Thousands of firefighters, park rangers, state employees, and volunteers are on the front lines fighting the fires, but new fires keep starting and spreading, she said. The fires have claimed two lives so far, according to Bolivian President Evo Morales. During the G7 summit in August, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a $20 million emergency fund to help Amazon countries affected by the rainforest fires.
Bolivia's Amazon is on fire, too
Read full article: Bolivia's Amazon is on fire, tooCNN(CNN) - While the world's attention focuses on the destructive Amazon wildfires in Brazil, devastating blazes have decimated swathes of tropical forests and savannah in neighboring Bolivia. The Amazon spans eight countries, including Bolivia, though the majority of the forest is in Brazil. The Amazon forest produces about 20% of the world's oxygen and plays an essential part in the fight against climate change. He added that on a visit to certain locations, mainly around Robore in eastern Bolivia, fires had decreased by about 70%. During the G7 summit on Monday, Macron announced a $20 million emergency fund to help Amazon countries affected by the rainforest fires.
US firefighting supertanker plane helping fight Amazon fires
Read full article: US firefighting supertanker plane helping fight Amazon firesCNN Wire(CNN) - Bolivia just got a huge helping hand in the fight to keep raging fires in the Amazon rainforest at bay. Colorado-based Global SuperTanker sent its Boeing 747-400 firefighting plane to the South American country Friday to conduct firefighting missions over part of Bolivia's portion of the rainforest, the company announced. The B747-400 SuperTanker is in the category of Very Large Airtankers (VLAT) used for fighting fires. Dan Reese, president of Global SuperTanker, traveled to South America as part of a 14-person team to battle the fires in Bolivia. He told CNN there are "an unbelievable number of fires" in the Amazon and his company is part of the response.