The Argentinean border city of Villazon prepares to receive Evo Morales and rituals of good omen are performed for his return to Bolivia.  (Photo: EFE)

Buenos Aires, November 8 (RHC)-- The Bolivian border town of Villazón is ready to receive Evo Morales and rituals have been performed to augur his return home.

The former president of Bolivia and leader of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), Evo Morales, began this Sunday the way back to his country after staying for a year in exile after the coup d'état against his government in November 2019. 

The former Bolivian president expressed his gratitude to the authorities and the Argentinean people for hosting him during his exile.  

This Sunday afternoon, through a message on Facebook, Evo expressed: "Bolivia recovered its democracy today, at a very high cost due to the loss of lives.  The people have won and we must always remain united and alert". 

"A year ago, Bolivia suffered one of the worst moments in its history when, in complicity with the Organization of American States, several groups of power executed a violent coup d'état ignoring the popular will in elections in which the MAS-IPSP had won fairly", the former Bolivian president began his message.  

"In those dramatic moments I received the solidarity of my sisters and brothers of the Patria Grande (...).  Thanks to Argentina for welcoming us with open arms and resisting the numerous external pressures," he added.

For his part, the former ambassador of Bolivia to the UN, Sacha Llorenti, reviewed the beginning of this return: "Today, after a year of exile, Evo has begun the path of return to Bolivia.  From this account, I will try to narrate our trip from Buenos Aires to Chimoré."

The transit of the leader to Bolivia, includes a trip from the Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires, to Jujuy (northwest).  From this city, he will go by land to La Quiaca and is expected to cross the border with Bolivia on Monday morning. 

It was announced that tens of thousands of people have already arrived in the border town of Villazón to participate in his welcome ceremony.