Why the coup attempt in Bolivia failed: the controversial statements of the soldier who led it

The calm air surrounding Plaza Murillo in the city of La Paz quickly turned hostile. The green gardens were filled with soldiers and one of the army’s armored vehicles forcefully attacked the gate of the Quemado Palace, one of the most important government seats in the history of Bolivia .

It was 3 p.m. when we were already starting to talk about a Rebellion Directed by General Juan José Zúñiga that, a few hours earlier, he had been dismissed – but not officially – from his post as head of the Bolivian army.

This is because, openly, appeared in a media outlet and declared, in front of the cameras, that if necessary, he would arrest the former president Evo Morales given his insistence on running in the 2025 elections.

But it’s supposed to Armies must be as neutral as possible and not endorse any political movement or color. It is for this reason that Zúñiga’s statement would have embarrassed the current president, Luis Arce, who ultimately decided to dismiss the general.

That’s why Plaza Murillo was filled with camouflage uniforms, weapons and, some say, even snipers. Zúñiga reportedly looked for Arce in the area to inform him of his extreme decision.

“We are listening to the cry of the people, because for many years, an elite has taken control of the country. Owners of the State, the vandals are in the various structures of the State destroying the country. “The Armed Forces intend to restructure democracy” the general shouted to the press.

He also revealed that He intended to create a new cabinet that would take Bolivia’s executive power and release “all political prisoners.” including former president Jeanine Áñez.

With all his ministers at his side, President Arce gave a televised speech in which he called on the Bolivian people to mobilize to defend democracy. and assured that “we are firm in confronting any coup attempt.”

At that time, authorities, such as Bolivian Vice President David Choquehuanca, had already confirmed and denounced to the international community that a military coup was underway.

According to a photograph published by the Bolivian newspaper The reason , Arce allegedly had a face-to-face with Zúñiga where he shouted at him to demobilize his forces. But Zúñiga categorically refused.

Tension grew as the hours passed, while residents in La Paz and other cities across the country began to panic. In a few minutes, Gas stations collapsed with kilometer-long lines of cars, while ATMs, shops and supermarkets were filled with people and fear.

Meanwhile, in Plaza Murillo, a large group of demonstrators, motivated by the presidential message, took to the streets to protest in favor of democracy, and the military responded with tear gas.

Afterwards, Arce made a key gesture: at the Casa Grande del Pueblo – the current seat of government – ​​he showed Bolivia and the whole world on television the appointment of the new military leaders. He named General José Wilson Sánchez general commander of the army.

“No one wants to see the image we see on the streets. That’s why Now, in my capacity as commander, I ask, order, order, that all personnel mobilized in the streets return to their units. were the first words of the new authority.

It was like this The camouflaged green that had invaded Plaza Murillo began to recede. Army soldiers gradually returned to their units and the center of La Paz was cleared. All that remained were the mobilized citizens.

“With you, with the people, we will never give up. “No one can take away from us the democracy that we have won through elections and with the blood of the Bolivian people.” », thanked Luis Arce, leaning on the presidential balcony.

But Zúñiga’s words after his arrest would suddenly change the plot.

The Bolivian Attorney General’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for General Zúñiga. For a few hours the man was on the run, until He was found and detained.

It was at this point that the general made a controversial accusation: It was President Luis Arce himself who allegedly asked him to carry out the coup to “increase his popularity.”

“Sunday at La Salle School I met the president and he told me that “the situation is very complicated, this week is going to be critical.” Next, something needs to be prepared to increase my popularity. » said the man, once again openly in front of the cameras.

In the alleged conversation he had with Arce, Zúñiga reportedly asked him if he should remove the armored vehicles, and the president’s response was direct: “Remove them.”

That same night, preparations reportedly began for what he described, a self-coup, a lifeline in the face of the deep crisis that the Arce government has been going through in recent times, marked by the lack of fuel and the lack of dollars.

Zúñiga was arrested and will be prosecuted for crimes of terrorism and armed uprising against the security and sovereignty of the State.