Bolivia: Coup Fails as President Luis Arce Mobilizes Citizens Against Military

Another coup happened in Latin America, but this one did not go as the coup plotters wanted as Bolivia President Luis Arce managed to mobilize civilians to stop the military from taking over the government. This meant that, unlike most Latin American coups, this one ended quite peacefully.

On Wednesday, the apparent peace in Bolivia was shattered when military armored vehicles tried to ram down the doors of the country's government palace as a coup d'etat became apparent. However, the soldiers were forced to pull back as Arce's supporters arrived, armed with Bolivian flags and cheering in a central square.

After the soldiers were repelled, Arce appeared in the palace, surrounded by his ministers, to address the attempted coup d'etat, saying, "Here we are, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt. We need the Bolivian people to organize."

According to the Associated Press, the coup was led by Juan José Zúñiga, the general commander of the army. Arce confronted him in the palace's hallway, and the confrontation was seen on Bolivian TV. Arce ordered the general and his forces to withdraw in that confrontation.

"I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination," the president told the coup plotter. Before this happened, Zúñiga told journalists in the plaza, Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of ministers; our country, our state, cannot go on like this."

After his withdrawal, the Bolivian Army general told reporters that "for now," he recognizes President Luis Arce as commander in chief. Nobody was hurt in the confrontation.

Arce called for "democracy to be respected," soon after, adding, "We cannot allow, once again, coup attempts to take the lives of Bolivians."

Leaders from the Americas Condemn Latest Bolivia Coup d'etat Attempt

Soon after the attempted coup, several leaders slammed the plotters, including the Organization of American States. Former Bolivian leaders also joined in on the condemnations, as well as Chile President Gabriel Boric and Honduras President Xiomara Castro.

Meanwhile, the United States says it is closely monitoring the situation in Bolivia.

Bolivia is considered a powder keg right now. In recent months, there had been a mounting political rift between Luis Arce and one-time ally, leftist icon, and former President Evo Morales. In addition, there had been an economic decline in the country, which included intensifying protests all over the country. Morales is expected to run against Arce in the elections next year.

Luis Arce Immediately Fires Bolivia Coup Head, Appoints Replacement

As part of the fallout from the coup, President Luis Arce has now appointed General Jose Wilson Sanchez as the new chief of the country's army, replacing coup plotter Zuniga. It was Arce himself who swore Sanchez into his new position inside Bolivia's presidential palace.

Immediately after being sworn in by Arce, General Sanchez ordered the e soldiers to return to their barracks and for their leaders to avoid bloodshed, according to Reuters.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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