Failed Coup in Bolivia; Army Retreats, Coup Leader Arrested

Following a military assault by Bolivian army units on the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday, July 6, President Luis Arce countered this action by appointing a new army commander. Initially, on Wednesday, army units were stationed in Moriyu Square in the capital, where the presidential palace, parliament, and several other government buildings are located. While the army forces were positioned in front of the presidential palace, Mr. Arce addressed the public from his workplace, stating: "Today the country is facing an attempt at a coup. Today the country is once again confronted by those who want to shorten the life of democracy in Bolivia." He urged the people of Bolivia to "organize and mobilize against the coup and in favor of democracy." Hours after this message, Luis Arce announced that the army forces had left Moriyu Square, and images of the arrest of the coup leader were released. Reports indicate that on Wednesday evening, the army forces left Moriyu Square, and police units were stationed in the area. As soldiers and armored vehicles withdrew from around the presidential palace, hundreds of Luis Arce's supporters gathered in the square in front of the palace, waving the national flag and chanting slogans in support of the president. The Bolivian prosecutor's office issued an arrest warrant for Morales. Luis Arce, surrounded by his cabinet ministers, appeared before the crowd of supporters who were singing the national anthem. He expressed gratitude for the presence of the people of Bolivia. Reports indicate that General Juan Jose Zuniga, the leader of this military operation, has been arrested, and the Attorney General of Bolivia announced that investigations into the actions of this military commander and his accomplices have begun. The charges against this senior military commander have not yet been disclosed. The army's rebellion on Wednesday followed months of tension over economic issues and protests. Meanwhile, Luis Arce and his former ally Evo Morales, the former leftist president, have been in conflict over control of the ruling party. Evo Morales is seeking to run again in the 2025 presidential elections, which has caused disputes and tensions within the ruling leftist party. The actions of Bolivian army units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga for a coup in the country have provoked anger from several neighboring countries, which condemned the action in statements and called for the restoration of order and law in the country. Bolivia has witnessed severe political tensions in recent years. In 2019, following protests against the results of the presidential election and increasing pressure from the armed forces against Evo Morales, he left Bolivia for Mexico. Evo Morales referred to the actions of the armed forces as a "coup." Luis Arce, from the leftist "Movement Towards Socialism" party, won the Bolivian presidential election in 2020. After the rise of Luis Arce's government, cases were opened against officials of the interim government, including Jeanine Añez and cabinet ministers, on charges of "coup," "inciting rebellion," and "terrorism."