Bolivia's 'short-lived' coup

Sucre [Bolivia], June 28: On the afternoon of June 26 (local time), a military unit led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, former Commander of the Bolivian Army, advanced to Plaza Murillo in La Paz. An armoured vehicle then tried to crash into the Presidential Palace gate to clear the way for soldiers to enter.
Mr. Zuniga claimed that the attack on the government headquarters was aimed at "re-establishing democracy" and "freeing political prisoners." However, shortly after, the army withdrew from the square and police restored order. According to AFP, the coup attempt lasted only five hours. Late on
June 26, Mr. Zuniga was arrested and escorted into a police car while speaking to reporters outside the military barracks.
Before his arrest, he said that Bolivian President Luis Arce had ordered the coup, although he did not provide any evidence. A senior Bolivian government official said that in addition to Mr. Zuniga, former Bolivian Navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was also arrested on charges of complicity. Mr. Arce hailed the withdrawal of troops as a victory for Bolivian democracy and thanked the people.
Justice Minister Ivan Lima said Mr Zuniga could face 15 to 20 years in prison, adding that the former commander's claims were fabricated and were just an attempt to justify his actions.
Immediately after the coup, President Arce appointed Jose Wilson Sanchez to replace Zuniga as Army Commander. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sanchez asked soldiers to return to their units and not to commit reckless acts that would cause bloodshed, according to Reuters.
International condemnation
The Bolivian prosecutor's office announced on June 26 that it had opened an investigation into Mr. Zuniga. In addition, individuals related to the events in La Paz will also be investigated.
News of the attempted coup has been strongly condemned by regional and international countries. Leaders of Latin American countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela have called for respect for democracy. The European Union (EU) opposes any action aimed at disrupting the constitutional order in Bolivia and overthrowing the elected government.
According to The New York Times, Bolivia has experienced about 190 coup attempts and uprisings since declaring independence in 1825. Prior to the June 26 event, local media reported that Mr. Zuniga had been removed from office, likely in connection with a threat to block former Bolivian President Evo Morales from running for re-election.
Mr. Arce served as finance minister during Mr. Morales's tenure, but both are now planning to run for re-election in 2025. Internal political rivalries between the two men have made it difficult for the Bolivian government to address economic challenges.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper