Bolivia's army chief was arrested after deploying soldiers and tanks to government buildings, which President Luis Arce called an attempted coup. Surrounded by soldiers and tanks, the dismissed army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga claimed the armed forces aimed to restructure democracy.

Sucre

Bolivian army chief General Juan José Zúñiga has been arrested following an incident where soldiers and tanks were deployed to government buildings. The Bolivian government, led by President Luis Arce, characterized the event as an attempted coup. Zúñiga claimed the intervention was aimed at restructuring democracy in response to economic distress.

An armored vehicle breached the entrance of Bolivia's presidential palace, leading to a confrontation between Zúñiga and President Arce. The general was recently dismissed and cited economic struggles and rising poverty as motivating factors for the intervention. He further alleged, without providing evidence, that President Arce had requested the military action to boost his popularity.

The country's economic situation is dire, with GDP growth at its lowest in two decades, rising inflation, and increasing unemployment. Amidst escalating protests, Zúñiga and an alleged accomplice were later presented to crowds, with government officials indicating they could face up to 20 years in prison.

As night fell, La Paz saw a return to calm, but many citizens remained on the streets, fearful of further unrest. Leaders from Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia have expressed concern regarding the situation, which has highlighted Bolivia's deep divisions and potential for further conflict.



Bolivian army chief arrested for alleged coup

An armored vehicle ramming the entrance of Bolivia's presidential palace on Wednesday, clearing the way for troops to storm in, in what the government has called an attempted coup. The man who led the operation, General Juan José Zúñiga, had been dismissed a day earlier. Outside the palace, he cited growing anger about Bolivia's economic slump and rising poverty. The armed forces intend to restructure democracy to make it a true democracy, not one run by the same few people for 30 or 40 years. Inside, President Luis Arce could be seen confronting Zúñiga. He also urged Bolivians to come out in defence of democracy. Supporters answered his call and faced off with soldiers outside the palace. They wanted to surprise us and the Bolivian people. We have reacted and the people have mobilized against this attempted coup. Thank you to the Bolivian people. A few hours later, the soldiers withdrew and Zúñiga was arrested. He then said, without providing evidence, that the president had asked them to stage the coup attempt. The president told me the situation was bad and this week would be critical, that something was needed to increase his popularity. Then I asked him, shall we bring out the armoured vehicles? And he said, bring them out. President Arce is facing several challenges. Bolivia is in the middle of one of the worst economic crises in its history. GDP growth is at its lowest level in two decades, inflation and unemployment rates are rising and the central bank is running out of foreign currency. Protests are becoming more regular. Later in the evening, Zúñiga and an alleged co-conspirator presented to crowds. A government official says they could face up to 20 years in prison. As night fell, calm returned to La Paz, but many Bolivians remained on the streets. Many citizens don't want to leave. They say, what will we do in our homes? We won't be calm. We don't want more coups. Leaders from Brazil, Mexico and here in Colombia have expressed alarm and announced what they consider an attack on democracy. And although President Arce declared the situation under control, it doesn't take away the reality of a country deeply divided and on the edge of possible explosion.

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