Bolivia Coup: Citizens Confused, Conspiracy Theories Dominate, and Government Distrust Amplified

A week after the coup d'etat in Bolivia failed. the country is now falling into chaos as citizens are confused about the allegations that the coup itself may have been a ploy by President Luis Arce to stay in power and boost his popularity before the 2025 elections where he will face deposed former president Evo Morales.

Before the coup, Arce's popularity had been diminishing thanks to fuel shortages, increased costs of living, and mass protests. After the coup, citizens rallied around Arce after former top military commander, Juan Jose Zuniga attempted the coup.

However, the confusion and conspiracy theories began when right before Zuniga was arrested, the former commander of Bolivia's Army claimed without evidence that it was Arce himself who planned the coup to save his diminishing popularity as his showdown with Evo Morales was approaching.

As France 24 noted, the coup itself has left more questions than answers Because of the former general's claims, opponents of the Arce administration have called it a "self-coup" or a "political show," with Morales jumping in on the issue and slamming his former ally and current rival and also alleging that the coup was fake all along.

While many citizens have come in to rally around Arce, the reports that the coup was planned by the president to boost his sagging popularity have only earned more mistrust in the government amid sky-high prices and costs of living, with many just accusing the Arce government of putting on an act so it could stay in power.

Bolivia President Luis Arce Ties Failed Coup to Lithium Interests

Meanwhile, as his opponents are painting the coup as an act, Bolivia President Luis Arce himself has denied these allegations and tied the attempted coup d'etat to Bolivia's lithium wealth, citing external and national interests that are seeking to control it.

As PV Magazine noted, these echo claims from former President Morales that US interests in the Bolivian lithium sector and its rare earth resources are driving interest in the country. It was also pointed out that these claims lacked proof as these often only stem from speculations surrounding US statements regarding Bolivia, as well as comments from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and several military officials.

Despite the lagging economy, Bolivia is rich in natural resources and rare earth minerals. The country currently holds approximately 23% of global lithium reserves and is already pursuing industrialization through technologies like direct lithium extraction (EDL) and evaporation methods.

Accounts from Arrested Bolivia Coup Plotters Fueling Conspiracy Theories

As for the conspiracy theories being generated by the coup, accounts and comments from the many military officers arrested are actually helping fuel them.

Among these conspiracy theories came from the former commander of the Bolivian Air Force, Gen. Marcelo Zegarra, who told prosecutors that the leader of the coup, Zuniga, had support from three diplomatic missions in La Paz, particularly the US, the EU, and Libya.

The Associated Press noted that the African nation has no embassy in Bolivia. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that she has already seen "false allegations" and wanted "to make sure it's clear that the United States had no involvement in this."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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