Former Army chief Gen. Juan José Zuniga was arrested after launching an apparent failed coup attempt against Bolivian President Luis Arce on Wednesday, calling on the public to “organize and mobilize” to “protect democracy” as soldiers and armored military vehicles stormed the presidential palace in La Paz.
With a long history of political instability, including military coups, the landlocked South American country of around 12 million people is grappling with a growing economic crisis that has triggered public protests. The failed apparent takeover attempt, which some experts are calling “theatre,” occurred amid a power struggle between the current president Arce and the former president Evo Morales, both of whom want to be reelected in 2025.
“I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce reportedly told Zuniga, ending the supposed coup.
Zuniga, who was fired as head of the Bolivian army just the day before for allegedly threatening to disrupt the former president’s reelection campaign, was subsequently arrested and seen being put into a police van, according to local media. His present location remains unknown.
Late Wednesday, Bolivian Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo informed the public in a press conference that the armed forces were “under control.”
The attempted coup has been strongly criticized by both the Bolivian government and foreign leaders. Bolivia’s Attorney General’s Office announced it has opened a criminal inquiry into Zuniga and “all other participants” in the assault.
Bolivia’s latest political battle comes as tensions escalate around plans by the former socialist president Morales to compete for reelection against his one-time ally Arce in the general election next year.
Meanwhile, the government is dealing with an economic crisis characterized by declining foreign currency reserves, primarily the US dollar, as well as gasoline and other basic necessity shortages.
Earlier Wednesday, images from the area showed armed forces taking over Murillo Plaza, La Paz’s main plaza, which houses the national executive and legislative buildings.
According to the Associated Press, armored trucks were seen slamming into the doors of Bolivia’s government palace, while former President Morales, a member of Arce’s Movement to Socialism (MAS) party, said on X that a “coup d’état is brewing.”
During the coup attempt, video footage showed several citizens clashing with soldiers at Murillo Plaza.
Before being taken into custody, former army chief Zuniga addressed reporters in the square on Wednesday, accompanied by troops. “We want to restore democracy,” he said, noting the country’s economic problems.
He also pledged “to free all political prisoners,” including former President Jeanine Anez, who is presently imprisoned for her part in deadly riots that erupted upon her election in 2019.
Amid the upheaval, President Arce appointed new military commanders, including Gen. José Sánchez, Zuniga’s successor as army chief.
Armed cars were spotted leaving Murillo Plaza shortly thereafter. Arce also named new commanders of the Navy and Air Force, according to Bolivia TV footage.
Before his departure, former army leader Zuniga allegedly stated that Morales should not be able to return as president and vowed to obstruct him if he did.