The Bolivian government and other regional nations denounced an attempted coup in Bolivia on Wednesday after a faction of the military rebelled in the capital city. María Nela Prada, Bolivia's Minister of Presidency, stated that "Plaza Murillo has been seized by a group of military personnel who have deployed tanks and are positioned outside the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the front of the Government Palace."
"They have taken control of the four corners of the plaza, with troops stationed in the plaza and in front of the Government House," the official explained from the Casa del Pueblo, emphasizing that the public will defend democracy and prevent another breach of constitutional order.
Evo Morales, leader of the MAS party who intends to run in the upcoming elections, claimed that "a group from the Special Regiment of Challapata 'Mendez Arcos' took Plaza Murillo with snipers," suggesting that the coup was premeditated, and urged the public "to defend the nation with a democratic spirit."
Former President Jeanine Añez Chávez condemned "the military mobilization in Plaza Murillo aimed at destroying the constitutional order," reminding that "the MAS with Arce and Evo should be ousted through the vote in 2025." She emphasized, "Bolivians will defend democracy."
Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert, former president and leader of Comunidad Ciudadana, also condemned the military action "intended to undermine democracy and disrupt the current constitutional period." He added, "The mandate of the current government should end on November 8, 2025. Any attempt like this is nothing but a coup. Comunidad Ciudadana stands firmly in defense of democracy."
Several regional governments have also spoken out against the military actions, which included tanks entering the Government Palace. The Cuban regime, an ally of Morales, rejected "these acts" and expressed solidarity with President Luis Arce.
Around 3:00 pm, military forces led by General Juan José Zúñiga, commander of the Army, took control of Plaza Murillo, Bolivia's political center, and subsequently entered Palacio Quemado with tanks, the main seat of the Bolivian executive power and the president's office.
With tanks behind him, Zúñiga announced that the Armed Forces were mobilized and declared the takeover of the Casa del Pueblo, while the Minister of Public Works, Edgar Montaño, confirmed that citizens were mobilizing against the coup.
Supporters of President Luis Arce and others have arrived at the central plaza in La Paz, attempting to enter.
Spanish journalist Pablo Iglesias reported that Arce confronted the insurgent General Zúñiga in Palacio Quemado, ordering him to demobilize the rebels. "The general refused but has since left the palace without daring to proclaim himself president. Other garrisons have not joined the insurrection," Iglesias explained.
Key Questions on Bolivian Military Insurrection and Attempted Coup
This section provides answers to some of the most pressing questions regarding the recent military insurrection and attempted coup in Bolivia, as well as the responses from various political figures and regional governments.
What triggered the military insurrection in Bolivia?
The insurrection was triggered by a faction of the Bolivian military rebelled in the capital, deploying tanks and taking control of key government locations.
How has the Bolivian government responded to the attempted coup?
The Bolivian government, along with key political figures like María Nela Prada and Evo Morales, has strongly condemned the actions, emphasizing the need to defend democracy and maintain constitutional order.
What stance have other regional governments taken?
Several regional governments have denounced the military insurrection. The Cuban regime, an ally of Morales, has expressed solidarity with President Luis Arce and rejected the coup attempt.