In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivian President Luis Arce has successfully thwarted an attempted coup d’état in the country. The day began with Arce raising the alarm about an “irregular” troop deployment in the capital, La Paz, hinting at a possible coup in progress.
Confronting the army’s general commander, Juan José Zúñiga, Arce asserted his authority, declaring, “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.” Zúñiga had earlier addressed reporters, hinting at the formation of a new cabinet and the need for change in the country.
However, Arce’s unwavering stance and the mobilization of the Bolivian people in support of the democratically elected government ultimately led to the failure of the coup attempt. The newly appointed military chiefs have ordered all mobilized troops to return to their barracks, emphasizing the undesirability of the current street scenes.
The attempted coup has drawn widespread condemnation from regional and international leaders, with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union denouncing any efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government. The situation remains fluid, but President Arce’s firm commitment to upholding democracy has been a crucial factor in thwarting the coup attempt.