Bolivia Foils Coup Attempt: Arrests Top Military Officials

The recent events in Bolivia highlight a turbulent situation involving a failed coup attempt allegedly orchestrated by former military officials, including the ex-army chief Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Coup Attempt Details: The attempt involved high-ranking military figures, with meetings beginning in May to plan the takeover. The plan reportedly included mobilizing armed forces to the main square of the capital, La Paz, and seizing power forcibly.

Arrests and Key Figures: Following the failed coup, more than a dozen military and intelligence officials, including Gen. Zúñiga and former navy commander Gen. Juan Arnez, were arrested. The arrests also included the military intelligence chief, Julio Buitrago.

Government Response: President Luis Arce, who has been in power since 2020, responded swiftly, urging public mobilization in defense of democracy. He confronted Gen. Zúñiga in the presidential palace, demanding the withdrawal of soldiers and asserting control over the situation.

Political and Economic Context: Bolivia has been grappling with economic challenges and political instability, which have fueled widespread protests. The coup attempt exacerbated these tensions.

Denials and Reactions: Gen. Zuniga alleged he was acting on President Arce’s instructions, a claim swiftly denied by the president and other government officials. Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo emphasized that the government had regained control and called for normalcy to resume.

The situation underscores ongoing political volatility in Bolivia and raises concerns about military involvement in governance. The swift response by President Arce and his administration appears to have averted a potential crisis, but the aftermath will likely involve further investigations and efforts to stabilize the country.

Bolivia, which has seen almost 40 attempted or successful coups since 1946, has been wracked by dwindling foreign currency reserves, particularly the US dollar, and shortages of fuel and other necessities. Tensions have also been rising over plans by leftist former president Evo Morales to challenge one-time Arce ally in next year’s general elections.

The investigation into Wednesday’s events will continue until all “participants” in the coup are identified, according to the Bolivian government report.

It also says the country’s Air Force commander was involved with planning the failed coup, but no one of that description is included in the list of arrests.