Failed “Military Coup” in Bolivia, General Juan Jose Zuniga Arrested
Image Credits: The Week
Gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square this Wednesday were military units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga who had allegedly attempted to stage a military “coup”. Bolivian armed forces were pulled back from the area, which was home to the Presidential Palace and Congress, and the general was arrested after President Luis Arce slammed the “coup” against the government and called to the international community for support during this period of political instability in Bolivia.
Earlier during the day, an armored vehicle rammed against the door of the Presidential Palace and soldiers rushed into the building, a move in which the troops seemed to have taken control of the government. Within three hours, witnesses saw the soldiers retreat and pull back, and police took control of the plaza instead. Zuniga was arrested by Bolivian authorities and was taken away, although his final destination wasn’t clear. Interior minister Eduardo del Castillo said that in addition to Zuniga, former Navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was also taken into custody. “Today the country is facing an attempted coup d’état. Today the country faces once again interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short,” said Arce. “The Bolivian people are summoned today. We need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup d’état in favor of democracy.”
Defense minister Edmundo Novillo claims that “everything is now in control”, adding that Bolivia survived a “failed coup.” Less than an hour after the coup, Arce announced the new heads of the army, navy, and air force, amidst a roaring crowd of supporters in front of which he thanked Bolivia’s police forces and regional allies for standing by him. In a twist to the events that unfolded however, Zuniga told reporters on Wednesday that President Luis Arce had asked him to “raise something up” in an effort to boost the President’s popularity at a time when political and economic crises rage in Bolivia. When Zuniga had asked Arce whether he should “take out the armored vehicles”, Arce replied, “Take them out.” However, Justice Minister Iván Lima claims that Zuniga’s statements are merely an effort to avoid accountability and trying to justify actions for which he will have to face justice.
The events that occurred on Wednesday come amid economic and political instability that have been escalating continuously. Bolivia has seen intensifying protests recently over its economy’s quick decline from one of the fastest growing economies twenty years ago to one that is one of the most crisis-stricken. Moreover, tensions have risen preceding the general elections in 2025, where leftist ex-President Evo Morales is planning to run against his former ally Luis Arce, creating a major divide within the current ruling socialist party whilst also sparking wider political unrest. President Luis Arce was elected in 2020 after Morales, who served from 2006-2019, was ousted amidst widespread protests and replaced by an interim conservative government.
Zuniga addressed reporters ahead of the move to attack the Presidential Palace, citing the growing anger in the landlocked country which has been battling an economic crisis. “We are listening to the cry of the people because for many years an elite has taken control of the country,” he said. He also added that politicians are “destroying the country: look at what situation we are in, what crisis they have left us in.” He claims that the armed forces intend to restore “true democracy”.
The “coup” received strong condemnation, both domestically and internationally. Support for Arce and Bolivia’s democracy came from regional leaders and beyond, including from conservative political opponents of Arce.
The US said it was closely monitoring the situation and urged for calm.
Bolivia’s public prosecutor’s office said that it would launch a criminal investigation against Zuniga and all others involved in the group.
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