Bolivia Service Chiefs Dropped After Coup Attempt
President Luis Arce of Bolivia has dismissed the country’s service chiefs and swiftly named their replacements following an apparent coup attempt that posed a significant threat to his administration.
Late on Wednesday, military officials and troops attempted to overrun the presidential palace, but quickly retreated.
Footage broadcast on television depicted military forces gathered around the main square in La Paz, with a camouflaged tank ramming the palace door as soldiers attempted to force their way inside.
However, the heavily armed troops, led by General Juan José Zuñiga, eventually withdrew. Government-supporting police officers subsequently secured the palace.
During the attempt, General Zuñiga briefly entered the building.
Surrounded by masked security forces, he criticized President Arce’s government, claiming that the military aimed to establish “a true democracy, not one for a few.”
He also called for the release of imprisoned politicians and military members, stating, “Enough of rule by a few. Look where that has gotten us! Our children have no future, our people have no future, and the army does not lack the balls to fight for our children’s tomorrow.”
It remains unclear why the seemingly determined coup attempt faltered.
In a televised broadcast immediately following the incident, President Arce urged Bolivians to mobilize in defense of democracy. “Long live the Bolivian people! Long live democracy!” he proclaimed.
General Zuñiga was later arrested and taken into custody.
This coup attempt comes at a tumultuous time in Bolivian politics, as President Arce is embroiled in a power struggle with former President Evo Morales over control of their party and the nomination for the 2025 election.
Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president and a prominent political figure, had handpicked Arce as his successor.
The country’s struggling economy has compounded challenges for President Arce, who has faced criticism for detaining opposition figures, including Luis Fernando Camacho and former President Jeanine Áñez.
A few hours after regaining control, President Arce announced replacements for General Zuñiga, along with new commanders for the armed forces, air force, and navy.
