Continuing threat of coup d’état in Bolivia, warns Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa

Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa expressed concern on Monday about the ongoing threat of a coup d’état in Bolivia, citing the country’s abundant reserves of lithium and other natural resources as factors attracting interests. Following a failed attempt by some military sectors, Sosa emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that there are many interests at play in Bolivia due to its wealth.

Speaking at the inauguration of the third International Summit on Feminist Foreign Policies in Mexico City, Sosa highlighted Bolivia’s vast resources, including lithium and minerals, and the potential for power struggles as a result. While acknowledging the dangers, she commended the Bolivian people for their awareness and the military for not supporting the attempted coup last Wednesday.

Reflecting on Bolivia’s history of coups, Sosa expressed gratitude for the support from Mexico, international organizations, and other countries. She emphasized that the recent events in Bolivia were indeed a coup d’état, refuting claims that it was a self-coup or orchestrated by the government. She noted that the investigation into the motives behind the coup attempt was ongoing, with military officers and commanders involved being dismissed and investigated.

On June 26, a group led by General Zúñiga attempted to seize power in Bolivia, leading to heightened political tensions. The incident, described by President Luis Arce as an attempted coup d’état, sparked controversy as Zúñiga accused Arce of ordering the action, a claim denied by the president. The situation in Bolivia remains tense as investigations continue and allegations are addressed.