Amid international outcry, an apparent coup attempt in Bolivia subsided after President Luis Arce asserted his authority over the military. The incident involved troops storming the presidential palace led by army general commander Juan Jose Zuniga. However, with pressure from leaders worldwide, Zuniga eventually urged the soldiers to withdraw, and President Arce hailed this as a victory for Bolivia’s democracy in an address to the citizens.
The alleged coup attempt occurred amid political turmoil in Bolivia. President Arce faces challenges from both the left and the right, with opposition forces in provinces like Santa Cruz leading strikes against government measures. Additionally, President Arce faces pushback from his former mentor, ex-President Evo Morales, who intends to replace Arce in the 2025 presidential race. Fuel shortages, a financial crisis, and low approval ratings have added to the challenges faced by Arce.
Zuniga, Arce’s hand-picked military leader, cited the country’s problems as motivation for the alleged coup attempt. As tensions escalated, Arce stripped Zuniga of his role in the military, sparking further conflict between the two leaders. The general aimed to “restore democracy” and demanded the release of political prisoners, despite acknowledging Arce as commander-in-chief for the time being.
The coup attempt was met with swift domestic condemnation. Labor unions announced an indefinite strike in support of Arce’s government, while videos showed crowds chasing away pro-coup forces. Former President Morales and even right-wing leader Jeanine Anez denounced the military’s actions, calling for criminal prosecution of those involved. President Arce presented a united front with his ministers in a video statement, vowing to confront any threats to democracy.
Bolivia has a history of political unrest and coups, with Morales being removed from office in 2019 in what he claims was a coup after running for a fourth term. The events of Wednesday were reminiscent of earlier coups in Bolivia’s history, with the public expressing skepticism towards the armed forces. President Arce replaced Zuniga with another military leader, Jose Wilson Sanchez, who ordered troops to return to their barracks, signaling a strong stance against threats to democracy.
Internationally, leaders expressed alarm and denounced the alleged coup attempt in Bolivia. Countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Chile condemned the events, while the United States, European Union, and the Organization of American States urged calm and restraint. Despite the outpouring of support, the situation in Bolivia remains volatile and polarized, with ongoing challenges facing President Arce’s government.
