Bolivian police arrest leader of coup attempt

• General Juan José Zúñiga led an attempted coup by storming the presidential palace in La Paz with soldiers.
• Gen. Zúñiga has been arrested by Bolivian police.
• Armoured vehicles and troops briefly occupied Murillo Square before withdrawing.
• Zúñiga claimed he wanted to “restructure democracy” and hinted at a future change in government.
• President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt and called for public mobilization in support of democracy.
• Criminal Investigation: The public prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation into the coup attempt.

Bolivian police arrest leader of coup attempt

Bolivian police have arrested General Juan José Zúñiga, the leader of an attempted coup, mere hours after soldiers stormed the presidential palace in La Paz. Armoured vehicles and troops briefly occupied Murillo Square, home to key government buildings, before withdrawing.

General Zúñiga had expressed a desire to “restructure democracy” and hinted at a future change of government while temporarily respecting President Luis Arce. Following his arrest, President Arce denounced the coup attempt and urged the public to “organise and mobilise in favour of democracy.” His call prompted pro-democracy demonstrations in support of the government.

Arce announced the appointment of new military commanders and confirmed Zúñiga’s dismissal, citing his open criticism of former President Evo Morales. Morales also condemned the coup attempt, urging criminal charges against Zúñiga and his accomplices. The public prosecutor’s office has initiated a criminal investigation.

The attempted uprising appears to have been short-lived and poorly executed, but it has exposed the government’s vulnerabilities. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining if this was an isolated incident or a precursor to further challenges to Arce’s administration.

Former President Morales, a significant figure in Bolivian politics, has called on his supporters, especially indigenous coca growers, to defend democracy. Their mobilisation may have been pivotal in thwarting Zúñiga’s plans, which included freeing “political prisoners” such as former leader Jeanine Áñez.