Bolivia experienced a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday when armored vehicles crashed into the doors of the government palace in what appeared to be a coup attempt. President Luis Arce, however, remained firm and appointed a new army commander on the spot, who instructed the troops to stand down. Shortly after, the soldiers and military vehicles retreated. Hundreds of Arce’s supporters then filled the square outside the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem, and cheering in support of the president. A few hours later, Juan Jose Zuniga, the Bolivian general who was suspected of orchestrating the rebellion, was arrested following the attorney general’s decision to launch an investigation.
Why was there a coup attempt in Bolivia?
Political tensions in Bolivia have been rising as the 2025 general elections approach, with leftist ex-President Evo Morales planning to run against current President Luis Arce. This has caused a significant divide within the ruling socialist party and has led to broader political uncertainty. Morales, who ruled from 2006 until 2019 before being ousted amid widespread protests and replaced by an interim conservative government, is a polarizing figure. Many Bolivians are wary of his return. President Arce, who won the 2020 election, faces opposition from within his party, including from General Juan Jose Zuniga.
Zuniga recently declared that Morales should not be allowed to return as president and even threatened to block his candidacy. In response, President Arce removed Zuniga from his position. This dismissal intensified the situation, leading to what appeared to be a coup attempt when armored vehicles stormed the government palace. The rebellion, led by Zuniga, ended with his arrest after the attorney general launched an investigation.
Public Support
Leaders from across the region and beyond have voiced strong support for President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora and Bolivia’s democratic institutions amid recent events.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took to platform X and condemned the attempted coup d’état in Bolivia. Obrador also lent his support to Arce.
Even former President Jeanine Anez, a conservative opponent of the current government in Bolivia who was imprisoned in 2022 during political unrest, denounced the military’s actions.
“I fully reject of the mobilization of the military in the Plaza Murillo attempting to destroy constitutional order,” Anez wrote on X. “The MAS with Arce and Evo must be got out through the vote in 2025. We Bolivians will defend democracy,” she added.
(With AP Inputs)