Bolivian Army
Coup Attempt in Bolivia Fails as President Arce Urges Mobilization Against Democracy Threat
President Arce remains resolute, urging the Bolivian people to stand firm in defense of their democracy.
La Paz, Bolivia (June 26, 2024) — In a dramatic turn of events, an attempted coup in Bolivia was thwarted on Wednesday as armored vehicles breached the doors of the government palace in La Paz. President Luis Arce, standing firm against what he described as an attack on democracy, called on the Bolivian people to mobilize in defense of their constitutional order.
The crisis began when armored vehicles and soldiers in military attire stormed the presidential palace, prompting fears of a coup d'état. President Arce, in a televised address surrounded by his ministers, declared, "The country is facing an attempted coup d’état. Here we are, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt. We need the Bolivian people to organize."
The confrontation reached a peak when President Arce confronted General Commander of the Army, Juan José Zúñiga, in the palace hallway. In a tense exchange broadcasted on Bolivian television, Arce asserted his authority, stating, "I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination." Zúñiga, who had earlier hinted at governmental changes and the release of political prisoners, did not explicitly declare a coup but acknowledged the army's intent to "restore democracy."
The situation began to de-escalate as troops and armored vehicles started to withdraw from the presidential palace. Supporters of President Arce quickly gathered in Plaza Murillo, waving Bolivian flags and chanting in support of democracy. In a show of solidarity, Vice President David Choquehuanca addressed the crowd, declaring, "Never again will the Bolivian people allow coups d’état."
Former President Evo Morales, who has had a strained relationship with Arce despite both being members of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, condemned the military's actions. Morales, who was ousted in 2019 in what many described as a coup, called for a national mobilization to defend democracy. "We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate people," Morales stated.
The attempted coup drew swift condemnation from international leaders and organizations. Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), insisted that the army must respect the authority of the elected government. "The General Secretariat of the OAS most strongly condemns the events in Bolivia. The Army must submit to the legitimately elected civil power," Almagro said. The European Union also expressed strong support for Bolivia's constitutional order, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating, "The European Union condemns any attempt to disrupt the constitutional order in Bolivia and overthrow democratically elected governments."
Regional leaders echoed these sentiments. Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed his concern and support for Bolivia's democracy, while Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Honduran President Xiomara Castro also condemned the coup attempt.
The incident has highlighted the deep-seated political and economic challenges facing Bolivia. The country, once one of South America's fastest-growing economies, has been grappling with a severe economic downturn and escalating protests. Additionally, internal strife within the ruling MAS party, particularly between President Arce and former President Morales, has added to the nation's instability ahead of the 2025 elections.
As Bolivia navigates these turbulent times, the government's response and the public's mobilization will be crucial in determining the country's political future. The international community's reaction may also play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of this crisis. For now, President Arce remains resolute, urging the Bolivian people to stand firm in defense of their democracy.