In Bolivia on Wednesday, soldiers led by General Juan Jose Zuniga entered La Paz’s Plaza Murillo, outside the presidential palace, in what the country’s leaders called an “attempted coup.”
Zuniga withdrew after controlling the square for about three hours and was quickly arrested, with military officials threatening to “replace the government” and “release all political prisoners, including the former president.” Janine Agnes Conservative Governor Luis Fernando Camacho.
Before Wednesday’s incident, the Bolivian government Deleted Zuniga was removed from his position as army commander after he made a televised statement on Monday against former socialist President Evo Morales, who Limited Time Offer Now out of office, he is seeking to run for a fifth term in the upcoming election in 2025.
“Mr Morales can no longer be the president of this country,” Zuniga reportedly said in the broadcast, arguing that “if something happens” he would not be allowed to “trample on the constitution and violate the mandate of the people.”
According to a source close to President Luis Arce, he himself is currently Power struggle Morales reportedly holds control of the Movement for Socialism party (MAS). Said Argentine media outlet Infobae reported that President Morales called on President Arce to put aside their differences and fire President Zuniga.
Zuniga and his group of military leaders Arrived They took control of Plaza Murillo in armored vehicles and set off an ambush at the gate of the former presidential palace, commonly known as the “Burnout Palace.”
#Eldebel | Moment of the Military Golpea La Tanketa at the Quemado Palace. Commander-in-Chief Juan José Zuniga meets with President Luis Arce pic.twitter.com/16I42NAIZ6
— EL DEBER (@grupoeldeber) June 26, 2024
Máxima Tención en Bolivia: Los Militares Entralons al Palacios President https://t.co/2JLP7R4gg0 pic.twitter.com/DrntcMFmWB
— TN – Todo Noticias (@todonoticias) June 26, 2024
“We are listening to the cries of the people because for years the elites have controlled the country,” Zuniga said. Said“The owners and destroyers of the state are in the various structures of the state and are destroying the homeland. The military intends to re-establish democracy.”
Shortly thereafter, President Arce and his cabinet ministers addressed the nation on television to condemn the attempted coup and declare, “We will firmly oppose any coup attempt.”
“We want to call on everyone to defend our democracy, and we are in Casa Grande. [presidential palace] Arce Said“We greet the social organizations and wholeheartedly invite the Bolivian people to show us democracy once again.”
The Bolivian president and Mr Zúñiga reportedly faced off at the entrance to the burnt palace.
“I am your commander and I order my soldiers to withdraw. I will not tolerate this insubordination.” Arce Reportedly He told Zuniga.
While military authorities maintained control of Plaza Murillo, Arce quickly formuladismissed the entire military leadership and swore in a new commander in chief. Zúñiga announced shortly thereafter that he was leaving Plaza Murillo.
Zuniga was arrested a few hours after he and the troops under his command retreated from Plaza Murillo. Claimed He told reporters that President Arce “knew” about the attempted coup and had ordered “armoured vehicles” to be deployed to “boost” his own popularity.
“I met with the president at La Salle School and he told me the situation is very bad, this week is crucial and we need to prepare something to boost my popularity,” Zuniga said.
🔵 #ANF | #emergency General Juan José Zúñiga blamed President Luis Arce le Pidio for the “preparatory Argo” paralevantal su “popular”. pic.twitter.com/ls7Wd5E1tF
— Agencia de Noticias Fides (@noticiasfides) June 26, 2024
In addition to Zuniga, former Navy commander Juan Arnes Salvador was also arrested late Wednesday night. schedule He is expected to be formally charged on Thursday.
Bolivian Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo was denied He denied the allegations of “suicide bombing” made by Zuniga at the time of his arrest and described him as a “delinquent” and a “criminal.”
“They are [Zúñiga’s clique] “These are people who have lost all credibility, who nobody trusts. At least Zúñiga was trying to get the support of the people, he was trying to get the support of the Bolivian people,” del Castillo said. “But what he didn’t realize is that the Bolivian people no longer want these coups, they no longer want Bolivians against each other.”
The failed coup attempt be criticized Conservative political prisoners, including Bolivia’s former president, have been arrested by international organizations such as the European Union and the Organization of American States, as well as regional leaders. Janine Agnes And a conservative governor. Luis Fernando Camacho They also issued a statement condemning Zuniga’s actions.
Arce is thank you for messages of support and condemnation of the coup posted on social media late Wednesday night.
Christian K. Caruso is a Venezuelan author documenting life under socialism. You can follow him on Twitter. here.
