Bolivian President Luis Arce has appointed new leaders for the country‘s army, navy, and air force following an attempted coup.
Military units had used armored vehicles to break into the government palace, leading to the arrest of the allegedly responsible army general. Arce announced these changes amid enthusiastic support from the public.
In a video message, Arce declared, “The country is facing an attempted coup d’état. We remain steadfast in Casa Grande to resist any coup attempts.
The Bolivian people must organize.” Footage showed troops setting up blockades around the palace, and Arce criticized the rebellious troops for “staining the uniform” of the military.
During the incident, Zúñiga asked Arce if he should “take out the armored vehicles,” to which Arce responded, “Take them out.”
He asserted his authority, saying, “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.”
On X, Arce called for the respect of democracy.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation and has called for calm and restraint.
Bolivia’s latest political showdown comes as tensions escalate over plans by leftist former president Evo Morales to run for reelection against one-time ally Arce in general elections next year.
Before his detention, Zuniga addressed reporters in the square, saying: “We want to restore democracy,” as he spoke of the country’s economic woes. He had earlier been dismissed reportedly for threatening to block a bid by Morales for reelection.
“The people have no future, and the army has the courage to look out for the future of our children, the well-being and progress of our people,” he said.
He vowed “to free all political prisoners” including former president Jeanine Anez, currently imprisoned for what the courts said was her role in deadly protests that erupted after her ascension to power in 2019.
