Failed Coup Attempt in Bolivia: President Defiant as Army Backs Down

Armored vehicles violently crashed into the doors of the government palace in Bolivia, triggering an apparent coup attempt against President Luis Arce. Despite the aggression, President Arce remained resolute and swiftly appointed a new army commander who ordered the troops to retreat. Supporters of Arce flooded the streets, jubilantly waving Bolivian flags and chanting in a show of solidarity.

In a powerful display of defiance, Arce, flanked by his ministers, addressed the nation, standing firm in the face of the attempted coup. The President emphasized the importance of upholding democracy and urged the Bolivian people to mobilize in defence of the government.

The Bolivian general believed to be leading the rebellion, Juan José Zúñiga, was swiftly apprehended following an investigation launched by the attorney general. Despite Zúñiga’s claims that Arce instigated the palace storming for political gain, the unfolding events indicated a lack of substantial support for the coup attempt.

As tension escalated, Zúñiga, the army’s general commander, made cryptic remarks to reporters, hinting at imminent changes in the government. However, he also acknowledged Arce as the commander in chief for the time being, pointing to a complex and volatile political landscape.

Amidst the chaos, Arce directly confronted Zúñiga within the palace, sternly ordering the withdrawal of the soldiers and condemning any act of insubordination. The President’s unwavering stance, backed by his newly appointed military chiefs, further reinforced the message of unity and democracy.

Following the tumultuous events, regional leaders and organizations, including the Organization of American States, expressed strong condemnation of the attempted coup in Bolivia. Leaders such as Gabriel Boric, Honduras‘ representative, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Nicolas Maduro, and Pedro Sanchez denounced the upheaval, calling for respect for democracy and the rule of law.

This failed coup attempt comes at a time of escalating protests and economic hardship in Bolivia, with longstanding political rifts within the ruling party intensifying. Arce and his former ally, Evo Morales, are engaged in a high-stakes battle for control of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party ahead of the upcoming elections in 2025.

Despite the unrest, Bolivia’s Vice President, David Choquehuanca, reassured the public that the Bolivian people would not tolerate further coup attempts, instilling a sense of unwavering resilience and commitment to democracy.