Bolivia's Morales resigns after army’s ‘suggestion’ amid protests

#Bolivia's President Evo #Morales resigned shortly after the military urged him to do so. Two officials next in line to take over the government also stepped down following weeks of protests.

"I resign from my position as president so that (Carlos) Mesa and (Luis Fernando) Camacho do not continue to persecute socialist leaders," Morales said during a televised address, mentioning the leaders of the opposition.

Morales said he decided to step down in hopes that his departure would stop the spate of violent attacks against officials and indigenous people, “so that they [protesters] do not continue burning the houses [of public officials]" and "kidnapping and mistreating" families of indigenous leaders.