Bolivia Faces New Crisis as Coup Attempt Fails, General Arrested

June 26, 2024

A short-lived coup attempt in Bolivia has been thwarted, with the military leader behind the rebellion, Gen Juan José Zúñiga, now under arrest. The incident, which saw soldiers storm the presidential palace in La Paz, has left the country on edge, raising concerns about the future of President Luis Arce's administration.

The coup attempt unfolded on Tuesday when armed troops, accompanied by armored vehicles, took control of Murillo Square, where key government buildings are located. Gen Zúñiga, who had openly criticized Bolivia's former leader, Evo Morales, and was dismissed by President Arce, stated his aim was to "restructure democracy" and that a change of government was inevitable.

President Arce, who condemned the coup attempt as a threat to Bolivian lives, called upon the public to defend democracy and mobilize in support of his government. He subsequently appointed new military commanders, effectively removing Gen Zúñiga from any position of authority.

The attempted coup was met with swift and widespread condemnation. Evo Morales, the influential former president, called for criminal charges against Gen Zúñiga and his accomplices. He urged his supporters, particularly within the indigenous coca-growers movement, to take to the streets in protest.

Despite the rapid suppression of the rebellion, the incident has left a sense of vulnerability surrounding the Arce government. While the immediate threat posed by Gen Zúñiga has been neutralized, the event may embolden other factions seeking to remove President Arce from power, potentially using political rather than military means.

However, President Arce can rely on the support of Evo Morales, who remains a powerful figure in Bolivian politics. Their shared condemnation of the coup attempt underscores a temporary alliance despite their past differences.

The international community, including left-wing governments in Venezuela and Colombia, as well as the US, condemned the coup attempt and called for the restoration of democratic order in Bolivia. The public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation into the events.

This latest crisis in Bolivia serves as a stark reminder of the nation's fragile political landscape and the potential for instability, especially considering its turbulent past.

Key points:

• A coup attempt in Bolivia was quickly suppressed with the arrest of the rebel military leader, Gen Juan José Zúñiga.
• The event highlights the fragility of the current government and potential future threats.
• President Arce is relying on the support of Evo Morales to counter these threats.
• The international community condemned the coup attempt and called for democracy to prevail.