The attempted coup in Bolivia unfolded live in front of cameras, with the head of the armed forces massing men and armored vehicles in front of the presidential palace in La Paz. General Juan José Zúñiga and his men advanced through the streets to Murillo Square, where they positioned armored vehicles and fired tear gas at anyone trying to approach. Zúñiga briefly entered the presidential palace, justifying his actions by claiming the military intended to “restructure democracy” in Bolivia.
Bolivian President Luis Arce quickly accused the rebel military of attempting a coup and called for respect for democracy. He urged Bolivian citizens to mobilize against the coup. Zúñiga was removed from office, arrested, and accused of terrorism and armed uprising by the public prosecutor. Leaders from across South America and around the world condemned the situation in Bolivia and called for the rule of law and democracy to be respected.
The tension in Bolivia stems from a divided ruling party, the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), with current President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales now political adversaries. Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, is seeking the MAS nomination for the 2025 presidential election, despite being legally disqualified from running again. The situation was closely monitored by the United States, European leaders, and international organizations like the OAS and the UN.
The attempted coup resonated across Latin America, with calls for democracy and the rule of law to be upheld. President Arce expressed his disappointment in the military’s actions and emphasized the need to protect democracy in Bolivia. The swift response from international leaders and organizations reflects the importance of upholding democratic principles in the region.