In a dramatic turn of events in Bolivia, soldiers who had occupied Murillo Square in La Paz have demobilized following the appointment of a new army commander. The new commander called for the military to return to their barracks, aiming to restore order and calm. This move came after a coup attempt that left at least 12 people injured, some by shots fired by rioting soldiers.
Bolivian President Luis Arce expressed his gratitude to the military personnel who uphold democratic values, contrasting them with those who attempted the coup. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and assured the public that the new military leadership would deter unconstitutional actions.
The coup attempt saw former commanders of the Army and Navy, Juan José Zúñiga and Juan Arnez Salvador, identified as the main architects and subsequently arrested. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo announced that these officers would face charges related to internal security and terrorism. He also mentioned that further investigations would target other individuals involved in the coup.
In response to the coup, President Luis Arce swiftly appointed new leaders for the armed forces. General José Wilson Sánchez Velásquez was named commander of the army, General Gerardo Zabala as head of the Air Force, and Vice Admiral Renán Guard as the leader of the Navy. This reshuffling aims to stabilize the military and prevent future insurrections.
Vice President David Choquehuanca and former President Evo Morales both denounced the coup attempt. Choquehuanca alerted the international community about the threat to Bolivia's democratically elected government, while Morales called on citizens to defend democracy against military factions.
The Organization of American States (OAS) and several international leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, condemned the coup attempt. They stressed the importance of respecting democratic processes and the constitutional order in Bolivia.
The coup attempt appears to be linked to internal political struggles within the ruling party, MAS, as President Arce and former President Morales vie for leadership ahead of the 2025 elections. The incident underscores the ongoing political tensions and the critical need for stability and democratic governance in Bolivia.
- The coup attempt in Bolivia has drawn significant international attention and condemnation. The swift response from both the Bolivian government and the international community highlights the importance of upholding democratic processes and preventing military interventions in politics.
- The appointment of new military leaders is a strategic move by President Arce to ensure loyalty within the armed forces and to prevent future coup attempts. This reshuffling of the military leadership is seen as a necessary step to restore confidence in the government and maintain order.
- The injuries sustained during the coup attempt have prompted a quick response from medical brigades, ensuring that those affected received timely medical care. This highlights the readiness and efficiency of Bolivia's emergency response teams in times of crisis.
- The political rivalry within the MAS party adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As President Arce and former President Morales compete for influence, the stability of the party and its future direction remain uncertain. This internal conflict could have significant implications for Bolivia's political landscape leading up to the 2025 elections.
