In La Paz, Bolivia, tensions rose considerably when armed troops commanded by General Juan Jose Zuniga mounted a disruptive action between the presidential palace and Congress. President Luis Arce condemned the incident as an attempted coup d'état, encouraging Bolivians to defend democracy against what he called efforts to destroy the country's democratic stability.
Earlier in the day, military units under General Zuniga, who had recently been relieved of his command, gathered in Plaza Murillo. Witnesses reported seeing armored vehicles forcibly enter the presidential palace grounds, prompting President Arce to label the situation a coup attempt and call for international solidarity.
As the day progressed, the military presence in Plaza Murillo withdrew, and control was restored to the police. General Zuniga was subsequently arrested, though his exact whereabouts were not immediately disclosed. Inside the palace, President Arce swiftly appointed José Wilson Sanchez as the new military commander, emphasizing the need for calm and a return to normalcy.
The US and other international parties maintained a close eye on the situation, emphasizing the need of maintaining calm and avoiding further escalation. The disruption comes as Bolivia's political tensions build ahead of the 2025 general elections, exacerbated by internal conflicts within the ruling socialist party.
Former President Evo Morales, a key figure in the ruling party, highlighted his commitment to democratic norms and denounced military interference in Bolivian politics. Meanwhile, regional leaders and political heavyweights from Bolivia and throughout the world condemned the attempted coup and reiterated their support for President Arce and the country's democratic institutions.
The event highlights Bolivia's continued political turbulence, which is characterized by leadership disagreements and economic concerns, notably a recent downturn exacerbated by decreased gas exports. As investigations and reactions continue, Bolivia will confront tremendous hurdles in restoring political stability and resolving popular concerns about democratic government.
