What We Know About the Coup Attempt in Bolivia
On June 26, 2024, Bolivia experienced a dramatic episode of political turmoil as a group of military officers attempted a coup against the government. This unexpected crisis has shaken the nation and garnered significant international attention. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key events and responses surrounding the coup attempt:
The Coup Attempt: Key Events
- Occupation of Government Square:
- Date: June 26, 2024
- Key Figure: General Juan Jose Zuniga
- Action: Led by General Zuniga, who had been dismissed as army commander just a day prior, a group of Bolivian military officers occupied the square in front of the government building in La Paz.
- Demands: Zuniga called for the restoration of democracy and the release of several prisoners, including former acting president Jeanine Anez.
- Government Response:
- President’s Reaction: President Luis Arce condemned the military’s actions as an attempted coup.
- New Commander: In response, he appointed Jose Wilson Sanchez as the new commander of the armed forces.
- Orders: Sanchez instructed all servicemen to return to their posts, and the military began to disperse from the square.
- Control Reasserted:
- Defense Minister’s Statement: Edmundo Novillo, the Bolivian Defense Minister, assured that the government retained control over the armed forces. All units were ordered back to their duties by Thursday following the incident.
- Casualties: Interior Minister Carlos del Castillo reported that at least nine people were wounded during the coup attempt.
Legal and Political Repercussions
- Arrests and Investigations:
- General Zuniga: The Bolivian public prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation against Zuniga and others involved in the coup. The charges include terrorism and armed rebellion against public security and state sovereignty.
- Juan Arnes Salvador: The former commander of the Bolivian Navy was also detained in connection with the coup attempt.
- Zuniga’s Defense:
- Claims: Zuniga claimed that he had communicated with President Arce on June 23, where he was allegedly asked to take these actions to boost the president’s popularity—a statement that complicates the narrative and could suggest deeper political machinations.
- Broader Suspicions: The Interior Minister mentioned that other individuals remain under suspicion and may face charges related to the coup.
International Reactions
- UN Response:
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern and emphasized the importance of upholding Bolivia’s constitutional order.
- Regional Reactions:
- Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Brazil: These countries swiftly condemned the coup attempt and supported the preservation of Bolivia’s democratic processes.
- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel criticized the coup attempt, labeling it as an egregious act.
- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador openly supported President Luis Arce, reinforcing regional solidarity against the coup attempt.
Context and Implications
The attempted coup in Bolivia adds to the country’s turbulent political landscape, which has seen significant unrest over recent years. The detainment of key military figures, including General Zuniga and ex-navy commander Juan Arnes Salvador, signals a robust governmental response to uphold order and legality. The allegations against President Arce, as claimed by Zuniga, introduce a layer of complexity and potential intrigue into the situation, suggesting there may be deeper political dynamics at play.
Summary
In the aftermath of the coup attempt, Bolivia’s government appears to have regained control, and investigations are underway to hold those responsible accountable. The international community has largely condemned the attempt, emphasizing the need to maintain democratic governance. The situation continues to evolve, and the ramifications of these events will likely influence Bolivia’s political stability and governance in the foreseeable future.