In Photos and Videos: Bolivian People Give Evo Morales a Hero's Welcome

The indigenous leader and former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales Ayma, returned to Bolivia in triumph alongside Alvaro Garcia Linera, his former vice president, a year after he suffered a coup d’état organized by elements of the right wing of that country, sponsored by the United States government and endorsed by international organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS).

Evo Morales and Alvaro Garcia Linera just seconds after passing the border line into Bolivia. — Evo Morales and Alvaro Garcia Linera just seconds after crossing the border line into Bolivia.

https://twitter.com/KawsachunNews/status/1325805580221632512

The president was received as a hero by indigenous organizations, miners, workers from different sectors, and massive crowds of people. “I had no doubt that I was going to come back, I didn’t know it would be so soon,” said Morales.

Small fraction of the crow that gathered to receive Evo Morales upon return to Bolivia.

“It is something so historic and so unprecedented, thanks to the unity of the Bolivian people and many authorities and former authorities of the world,” Morales said in his speech. He thank again at this point the president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro.

“On November 11 of last year I left to save my life, now I will return alive to Chimoré (Cochabamba).”

Estoy muy agradecido con el pueblo boliviano por recibirme con tanto cariño. pic.twitter.com/Ba0bJYPcu7
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 9, 2020

Argentine President Alberto Fernández, who accompanied him by foot to the border, said he is happy to return Evo Morales safe and sound to his homeland. “We are happy that our dear colleague and brother Evo Morales returns to his homeland, from which he should have never left, and should have never been mistreated as he was.”

El hermano @alferdez me lleva hasta la frontera para volver a mi patria querida, y siento que con él me acompañan los pueblos y la patria grande.
Son momentos de gran emoción y profundo agradecimiento a mis hermanas y hermanos argentinos. pic.twitter.com/ujMPURueJx
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 9, 2020

The former president thanked the Argentine people and government for hosting him during his exile. “This is something that we will never forget, I felt at home, part of my life remains in Argentina. I did not feel abandoned,” he said.

Organized groups of miners celebrated the return of the indigenous leader after a year of his forced exit from power.

With posters from different popular organizations they received the former Bolivian president.

Evo Morales during his return from exile speech

In his first speech in Bolivia, Evo Morales says that the country has 3 reasons to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/uTvgnLlXQQ
— Kawsachun News (@KawsachunNews) November 9, 2020

Alberto Fernandez and Evo Morales giving brief speeches after Evo's return to Bolivia — Alberto Fernandez and Evo Morales giving brief speeches after Evo’s return to Bolivia

Evo Morales and Alberto Fernandez walking to the border line between Bolivia and Argentina.

Part of the crow listening to Evo Morales after returning from exile in Villazon, Bolivia. — Part of the crowd listening to Evo Morales after his return from exile in Villazon, Bolivia.

More views of the crow gather to listent to the Bolivian hero after returning from exile. — More views of the crowd gathered to listening to the Bolivian hero after his return from exile.

Alberto Fernandez and Evo Morales walking to the border line with Bolivia during Evo's return after one year in exile. — Alberto Fernandez and Evo Morales walking to the border line with Bolivia during Evo’s return after one year in exile.

Motorcade accompanineg Evo Morales on his way from Villazon to Uyuni. Photo courtesy of @Marco_Teruggi — Motorcade accompanying Evo Morales on his way from Villazon to Uyuni. Photo courtesy of @Marco_Teruggi

Impresionante recibimiento de Evo Morales, junto a García Linera, en Atocha, zona minera. La caravana avanza por el país. pic.twitter.com/Pi9Z1BQ1Ce
— Marco Teruggi (@Marco_Teruggi) November 10, 2020

The people welcoming Evo Morales arriving at the town of Atocha. Video posted by the Argentinian journalist Marco Teruggi.

Featured image: Multitude gathered in Villazon, Bolivia to welcome Evo Morales as a hero after returning from exile. Photo courtesy of Pagina/12. Photos without credit from EFE and AP.

(Ultimas Noticias and Pagina|12) with OT content

Translation: OT/JRE/SL