Failed Coup Attempt in Bolivia Condemned Internationally
In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia faced a coup attempt led by former army commander General Jose Zuniga. The coup, which took place on Wednesday, saw tanks and armed soldiers surrounding the presidential palace in La Paz. The newly appointed army commander, General Jose Wilson Sanchez, swiftly ordered the soldiers to return to their units, emphasizing that no 'anti-democratic' actions would be tolerated.
President Luis Arce, addressing the nation from the presidential residence, called for the Bolivian people to 'organize and mobilize' in defense of democracy. He stressed the importance of upholding democratic values and condemned the coup attempt, which he said only harmed the country's international image. 'We Bolivians will fail all coup attempts,' Arce declared, reaffirming his commitment to democracy.
International Response and Political Context
The attempted coup was met with widespread international condemnation. Leaders from Spain, the United States, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela voiced their support for Bolivia's democratic government. Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, also expressed their deep concern about the situation.
The political context in Bolivia has been tense, with former President Evo Morales' plans to run in the 2025 elections creating a significant rift within the ruling Socialist Party. Morales, who was ousted in 2019 amid allegations of election fraud, has become a major political opponent of President Arce. The coup attempt by General Zuniga, who opposed Morales' candidacy, further intensified the political uncertainty in the country.
Following the failed coup, Bolivia's Attorney General's Office launched a criminal investigation against Zuniga and other participants involved in the events. The office vowed to impose the 'maximum punishment' on those responsible for the coup attempt.
Bolivia is currently facing an economic recession, with depleted central bank reserves and pressure on the local currency exacerbating the situation. The country's political instability has only added to the economic challenges, making the upcoming elections even more critical for Bolivia's future.
- The coup attempt began when a tank carrying General Jose Zuniga entered the presidential palace in La Paz. Surrounded by military personnel, Zuniga declared that the armed forces were trying to 'restructure democracy.'
- A day before the coup attempt, Zuniga was dismissed from his position for exceeding his powers and opposing former President Evo Morales' candidacy for the 2025 elections.
- Images from the scene showed armed soldiers gathered around Plaza Murillo, one of the main squares in La Paz, where the national executive and legislative headquarters are located.
- The Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, condemned the coup attempt and emphasized that the military must submit to the legitimately elected civil power.
- Bolivia's Attorney General's Office launched a criminal investigation against General Zuniga and other participants involved in the coup attempt, promising to impose the maximum punishment on those responsible.
