In Bolivia, the leader of an attempted coup against the government, General Juan Jose Zuniga, has been arrested by Bolivian authorities. Zuniga had recently been removed from his position as military commander. Military units under his leadership gathered in armored vehicles on Wednesday evening at La Paz’s central Plaza Murillo square, where the presidential palace and Congress are located.
According to eyewitnesses, they rammed a door of the presidential palace. Several soldiers then allegedly stormed into the building. Nine were injured, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said.
New army chief already sworn in
The new military commander, José Wilson Sanchez, has just been sworn in at the presidential palace itself. He called for the restoration of peace and order. “I order that all troops mobilized on the streets return to their units,” Sánchez said, adding: “We ask that the blood of our soldiers not be shed.” According to eyewitnesses, the military apparently responded to Sánchez’s request. They retreated and the police took control of the square again.
President Luis Arce condemned the actions of former General Zuniga and the military units as an attempted coup against the government and immediately called for international support. “Today the country is facing an attempted coup. Today, the country is once again confronted with interests that limit democracy in Bolivia,” Arce said. Bolivian prosecutors said they would open a criminal investigation against Zuniga and others involved.
Tensions in Bolivia
Heads of state and government in the region initially reacted by condemning the soldiers’ actions. There was also criticism from top EU officials.
Tensions in Bolivia have escalated ahead of 2025 parliamentary elections. Left-wing former President Evo Morales plans to take on his former ally Arce, creating a deep rift in the ruling Socialist Party and increasing political uncertainty .
Source: Krone
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