LA PAZ, Bolivia — Authorities in Bolivia are pursuing an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales amid allegations of sexual abuse related to an alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl. This situation has escalated following Morales’ refusal to comply with a summons to provide testimony in the ongoing investigation.

The warrant for his arrest is pending judicial approval and comes at a time when Morales, who served as the nation’s leader for 13 years before resigning in 2019, has been residing in the Chapare region, closely guarded by his supporters. Since discussions about his potential arrest emerged in September, he has remained largely secluded.

Morales, who is currently 65 years old, is accused of having fathered a child with the minor in 2016, a situation that, under Bolivian law, could be classified as statutory rape. Despite these serious allegations, Morales has yet to publicly address the arrest warrant but has previously dismissed the charges as unfounded. He has asserted that his political rival, President Luis Arce, is orchestrating a plot to undermine his political ambitions, particularly ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections.

Morales has referred to the situation as part of a “dark plan” aimed at both his political elimination and personal harm. In a recent confrontation on Monday, police faced resistance from Morales’ supporters, who accused law enforcement of using excessive force in their efforts to apprehend him.

This case highlights significant tensions in Bolivian politics, where allegations of corruption and political maneuvering have continued to influence the relationships among key figures in the nation’s leadership.