Bolivia’s former coup commander, Jose Zuniga, has been arrested. Soldiers who were part of the coup plot have retreated.
Photo: AA
A group of soldiers reportedly staged a coup attempt in Bolivia as they evacuated civilians from Plaza Murillo.
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales said the military was trying to stage a coup and called on people to defend democracy. He also called for people to mobilize.
According to local media quoted by AA, the military uprising was led by former army commander Jose Zuniga, who was sacked on June 25.
Coup attempter José Zúñiga. Photo: AA
Zuniga is known to have opposed former President Evo Morales’ candidacy in the presidential election expected to be held in 2025 and expressed his displeasure with the government.
It was said that a group of soldiers led by Zúñiga had seized the Government Palace and attempted to establish a new Council of Ministers. Having “clearly” threatened Morales, Zúñiga made the following statement: “The army is the armed wing of the country. We will take our country back from them. Our country cannot continue like this any longer.”
In a statement, Sanchez, the new military commander appointed by Bolivian President Luis Arce, ordered “all military personnel to return to their units.”
“It is an honor to be recognized as worthy of such a mission. I thank the president and the minister of defense for their trust in us. We are facing images that no one wants in our streets and squares,” Sánchez continued. “As the new military commander, I want to reassure you that we will not tolerate undemocratic actions.”
Arce’s statement is as follows:
“We condemn the irregular military mobilization by certain elements of the Bolivian armed forces. Democracy must be respected.
“The Bolivian president and his cabinet are doing their jobs and I call on the people to defend our democracy.”
Zúñiga, the leader of the attempted coup, was arrested.
Coup attempt in Bolivia
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