A DRAMATIC conflict between Bolivian President Evo Morales and rebel governors over the distribution of natural gas and central government powers has escalated into violence and now threatens regional stability in Latin America. The crisis was discussed at a summit of the recently formed Union of South American Nations in Chile on Monday, where Mr Morales gained support from neighbouring leaders and pledged that he will try to negotiate a compromise agreement.
This will be no easy matter. Mr Morales was elected in 2005 on a mandate for egalitarian socialist change in Bolivia, South America’s poorest nation. He is the first political leader to emerge from the Aymara indigenous Indian community, and enjoys overwhelming support from them, reiterated in a recall referendum last month. They inhabit the poorer mountainous west of Bolivia and are sharply distinct from the richer eastern provinces inhabited by descendants of European immigrants.
The governors, also re-endorsed last month, demand greater autonomy, including especially the right to tax the extensive natural gas supplies there. Bolivia is the second richest source of gas in South America, exporting mainly to Brazil and Argentina. Mr Morales nationalised the gas industry and wants to gain more control over it to target economic development. He has now drafted a new constitution to enable that, provoking violent protest from the eastern provinces over the last three weeks.
Roads have been blockaded by supporters of the governors, leaving farm areas short of gas, oil and food. Last week the protests became violent, when up to 30 people died and the army was told by Mr Morales to restore order. He accused the United States of interfering on the side of the rebel provinces, then expelled the US ambassador. He vehemently opposes Washington’s anti-drugs strategy, while they accuse him of taking over coca production and supplies from Colombia. President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela has even hinted he would intervene militarily if Mr Morales is toppled or if any attempt is made to partition Bolivia.
This is an elemental struggle with large regional consequences. First indications from Monday’s summit are that Mr Morales has been persuaded to seek a compromise agreement with the rebels rather than ratchet up the confrontation. But it will take an equal commitment by his opponents if that is to be accomplished.