Thousands of people who support President Luis Arce in Bolivia stopped a coup by making the soldiers go away
A senior general pledged to “restore democracy” in Bolivia, ordering armored vehicles to breach the doors of the government palace on Wednesday in an attempted coup. However, Arce’s supporters swiftly mobilized and drove the soldiers away.
Following the coup attempt, which saw troops briefly occupy the presidential palace, President Arce appointed a new army commander determined to uphold his administration.
The new commander subsequently ordered the troops to stand down.
Hundreds of Arce’s backers then flooded the square outside the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem, and celebrating as the soldiers retreated.
General Juan José Zúñiga, head of the army, was subsequently detained, and the attorney general initiated an investigation into the rebellion.
Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo denounced the arrests, including that of former navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador, questioning the group’s motives in seeking to overthrow elected authority.
Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo declared Wednesday evening that the situation was “under control,” flanked by military leaders appointed by Arce, denouncing the incident as a “failed coup.”
The apparent uprising unfolded amid prolonged tensions and political disputes between Arce and his former ally, ex-president Evo Morales, over control of their party.
The crisis rapidly escalated in early afternoon as La Paz streets filled with soldiers. Arce criticized the irregular deployment of troops, warning of a coup attempt alongside other political figures.
Yet, the purported coup lacked substantial support, with even Arce’s adversaries condemning the uprising.
In a surprising twist, General Zúñiga claimed before his arrest that President Arce had instructed him to storm the palace for political gain.
Justice Minister Iván Lima dismissed Zúñiga’s assertions as false, accusing him of attempting to justify his actions, which he vowed would face legal consequences.
Lima announced via social media that prosecutors would seek a prison term of 15 to 20 years for Zúñiga for attacking democracy and the constitution.
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When the President of Bolivia asked the country to mobilize against the coup, the people answered the callpic.twitter.com/J1X9aqoiwp
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) June 27, 2024
⚡️🇧🇴 BREAKING:
A failed coup attempt in Bolivia by US-backed General Juan José Zúñiga.
Bolivia, a dramatic coup attempt aimed at President Luis Arce was stopped in its tracks.
Armored vehicles smashed into the government palace, yet Arce stood strong, swiftly replacing the… pic.twitter.com/ttDuIyTY3f
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) June 27, 2024