On Wednesday, Bolivian Army Commander General Juan José Zúñiga Macias led a group of military personnel in an attempt to carry out a coup against the government of President Luis Arce. The conflict between Zúñiga and Arce has been ongoing for years, with accusations exchanged between them.
Zúñiga was officially removed from his position as general commander on Tuesday and replaced by General José Wilson Sánchez during the riots in the capital. In an interview, Zúñiga emphasized that the Bolivian Armed Forces are an “armed arm of the people” and will utilize all “constitutional tools” to fulfill their role. During a press conference, he reiterated his stance on Morales, declaring that Morales cannot return to the presidency.
The experienced general accused President Arce of jeopardizing national sovereignty and prioritizing partisan interests over the country’s natural resources. He also expressed strong opposition to former president Evo Morales, who he believes is legally disqualified from running for president.
The conflict between Zúñiga and Morales sheds light on the power struggles and political tensions within Bolivia’s government and armed forces. The attempted coup highlights the deep-seated divisions within Bolivia’s military and government institutions, which have been strained by corruption scandals and political polarization in recent years.
