Tensions Rise Amid Fears of Coup Attempt in Bolivia
Bolivia is currently on edge as armored vehicles forcefully entered the government palace in La Paz, raising concerns of a coup attempt.
Associated Press also reports that armored vehicles rammed into the doors of Bolivia’s government palace Wednesday in what appeared to be a failed coup attempt, as President Luis Arce said the country stood firm against attacks on democracy and urged people to mobilize.
In a video of Arce surrounded by ministers in the palace, he said: “Here we are, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt. We need the Bolivian people to organize.”
Arce confronted the general commander of the army — Juan José Zúñiga, who appeared to be leading the rebellion — in the palace hallway, as shown on video on Bolivian television. “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce said.
Before entering the government building, Zúñiga told journalists in the plaza: “Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of ministers; our country, our state cannot go on like this.” Zúñiga said that “for now” he recognizes Arce as commander in chief.
Zúñiga did not explicitly say he’s leading a coup, but in the palace, with bangs echoing behind him, he said the army was trying to “restore democracy and free our political prisoners.”
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that President Luis Arce earlier reported “irregular” troop deployments, while former President Evo Morales labeled the situation a coup “in the making.”
Regional leaders have expressed alarm over the developments.
While President Luis Arce confirmed the incident and expressed concern about the military movements, former President Evo Morales accused the military of attempting a coup.
This is even as neighbouring countries and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation.
Bolivia has faced political instability in recent years, and this incident adds to the existing challenges.
The situation remains fluid, and citizens are anxiously awaiting further updates. The international community is urging restraint and a peaceful resolution.
Coups and Political Instability in Bolivia
Bolivia has a tumultuous history marked by numerous coups and political upheavals. Here are some key points:
- Twentieth Century Coups:
- Throughout the twentieth century, military coups and counter-coups were a recurring feature of Bolivian politics¹.
- These coups often disrupted democratic processes and led to changes in leadership.
- 1969 Coup:
- In 1969, a military coup led by Bolivian commander Alfredo Ovando Candía deposed President Luís Adolfo Siles Salinas⁵.
- Siles Salinas had replaced Vice-President Rene Barrientos, who himself had staged a coup earlier in 1964.
- Recent Events:
- In 2019, Bolivia faced another crisis when General Williams Kaliman publicly urged President Evo Morales to resign, leading to his ousting.
- The threat of violence during this coup attempt highlighted the country’s historical vulnerability to such actions.
In a nutshell, Bolivia’s history is marked by a complex interplay of political forces, military interventions, and constitutional challenges. The recent events echo this troubled past, emphasizing the need for stability and democratic processes.
