Evo Morales takes asylum in Mexico, leaves Bolivia

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales granted asylum by Mexico after he resigned on Sunday following as his supporters and their rivals clashed on the streets of La Paz. Morales on Monday night in a tweet said that he was leaving for Mexico but vowed to return "with more strength and energy".

"Evo Morales is now on the Mexican government's plane, sent to ensure his safe journey to our country," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard wrote on Twitter.

Ebrard also tweeted a photo of Morales seated in the Mexican Air Force plane, displaying a Mexican flag across his lap.

"The decision to grant him asylum was in Mexico's long tradition of sheltering exiles, the life of Bolivia's first indigenous president was in danger," said Ebrard.

Morales announced his departure on Twitter around 9:30 pm (01:30 GMT). "It hurts to leave the country for political reasons, but I will stay in touch," he wrote." Soon I will return with more strength and energy."

Morales' government collapsed on Sunday after ruling party allies quit and the army urged him to step down in the wake of a disputed election, adding to a sense of crisis in Latin America, which has been hit by weeks of protests and unrest.

Angry supporters of the socialist leader set barricades ablaze to block some roads leading to the country's main airport, while his foes blocked most of the streets leading to the capital's main square in front of Congress and the presidential palace.

Overnight on Sunday, gangs had roamed the highland capital, businesses were attacked and properties were set on fire. Schools and shops were largely closed, while public transport halted, roads were blocked, and rival political groups clashed on the streets.

Police urged residents of La Paz to stay in their homes and said they were joining forces with the army to avoid an escalation of the violence.

Looting and roadblocks convulsed Bolivia after Morales stepped down, and he said "violent groups" attacked his house.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador praised Morales saying he had chosen to resign rather than put the lives of Bolivia's citizens at risk. Bolivia went to the polls on October 20. The Washington-based Organization of American States delivered a report on Sunday citing serious irregularities during the vote.