In 2006, the Bolivian people elected their first indigenous president, Evo Morales, hailing from the Aymara people. Now, the man who trumpeted a change for Bolivia's downtrodden indigenous majority faces controversy.

Morales advocated radical changes in Bolivia, opting to shift from the free market structure of the past with socialist programs similar to Venezuela's. Having nationalized various industries, most notably in the energy sector, Morales was re-elected but now faces protesters from his own indigenous base who serve in the nation's armed forces.

On Tuesday, April 29, about 500 noncommissioned officers and soldiers protested a military policy they view as racist. On Thursday, the crowd had turned into more than a thousand, according to Scotsman. Bolivian military police prevents or hinders NCO's from studying to become career officers. Marching in their uniforms, the protesters demanded this policy change and were joined by their families.

The Bolivian military did not receive the protests well and decided to dismiss 702 of the protesting soldiers. The armed forces said in a statement that they ordered the dismissal because the soldiers "committed acts of sedition, rebellion, conducted political actions and attacked the honor of the armed forces."

The protesters retaliated by continuing the protests. Indigenous leader Samuel Coarite said that the protests would continue until the troops dismissed were reinstated, Scotsman reported.

Heeding the warning, the Bolivian government decided to rescind its decision and has reinstated 400 or so soldiers. However, according to the AFP, the military has not made any comment on the remaining estimated 300 soldiers that were not reinstated.

"We are going to radicalize our protests next week," said Sandra Lopez, the leader of an association of wives of noncommissioned officers. Despite of this the government has not made any announcements. According to the news agency, Bolivia's 38,000 strong military is mostly composed of indigenous Aymara and Quechua people while the commanding officers are mostly of mixed indigenous and European descent.