La Paz: Bolivian armed forces made a dramatic move on Wednesday, taking control of the central square in the capital and breaching the entrance to the presidential palace with an armored vehicle, sparking fears of a military coup.
President Luis Arce, who was preparing to address the nation, denounced what he called an “irregular mobilization” of army units in La Paz and demanded their immediate demobilization. “If you respect the line of military command, withdraw all these forces right now,” Arce asserted.
Former President Evo Morales, despite his split with Arce within the socialist movement, accused General Juan Jose Zuniga of orchestrating a coup. Heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathered in Plaza Murillo, where the presidential palace and Congress are located. Witnesses reported seeing soldiers entering the palace after an armored vehicle breached its doors.
General Zuniga, speaking to a local TV station before the assault, expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “There will be a new cabinet of ministers; surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer.” He condemned actions he perceived as detrimental to Bolivia’s interests, flanked by soldiers in full uniform.
In response to the military actions, Morales, leader of the ruling MAS socialist party, vowed support for democracy and announced plans for a general work stoppage and road blockades. “We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate people,” Morales declared.
Regional leaders and political opponents within Bolivia, including jailed former President Jeanine Anez, have condemned the military intervention. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador voiced strong support for President Arce and Bolivia’s democracy amid rising tensions.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Bolivia ahead of the 2025 general elections, with Morales intending to challenge former ally Arce, leading to significant divisions within the socialist party and broader political uncertainty. Morales previously governed from 2006 to 2019 before being ousted amid protests, with Arce winning the 2020 election.
General Zuniga’s recent statements opposing Morales’ return to the presidency prompted Arce to strip him of his command earlier in the week. Bolivia, facing economic challenges such as depleted central bank reserves and currency pressures due to decreased gas exports, remains gripped by escalating political turmoil.
