A Bolivian general has been arrested for allegedly attempting a coup after a dramatic confrontation with the president.
General Juan Jose Zuniga, who had been dismissed as the commander of the Bolivian army a day earlier, led military units to occupy the main square in La Paz on Wednesday. Armored vehicles rammed the palace door, and soldiers attempted to break into government offices.
Before his arrest, Zuniga spoke to reporters about wanting to restore democracy amid the country’s economic troubles. He had previously been dismissed for reportedly opposing President Evo Morales’ re-election bid.
President Luis Arce called on the public to defend democracy and later confronted Zuniga in the palace, ordering him to withdraw his soldiers. Zuniga was handcuffed and taken away by police, while Arce signaled victory to crowds outside the palace. Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo confirmed that the government had regained control of the military and urged the population to return to normalcy.
Bolivia, struggling with an economic crisis and political instability, has experienced recent street protests due to dwindling foreign currency reserves and shortages of basic necessities.
During his arrest, Zuniga claimed he was acting on Arce’s instructions, but Justice Minister Ivan Lima denied this, stating Zuniga would face justice.
The Bolivian government and international leaders condemned the attempted coup. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation against Zuniga and other participants. New military commanders, including Gen. José Sánchez, have been appointed to restore order.
The attempted coup highlights the rising tensions between Arce and Morales ahead of the 2025 general elections. Morales, who resigned in 2019 amid election fraud accusations, is planning to run for re-election against Arce. The situation has been criticized as potentially staged by the government to earn support.
International leaders, including those from Paraguay, Mexico, and the European Union, expressed support for democracy in Bolivia but condemned the attempted coup.
