In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivian armed forces with armoured vehicles withdrew from the presidential palace in La Paz after President Luis Arce denounced a “coup” attempt and called for international assistance. The military, led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, had initially gathered in Plaza Murillo, launching an apparent takeover. Arce asserted, “Today the country is facing an attempted coup… we need the Bolivian people to organize against it.”
Following the standoff, José Wilson Sánchez was sworn in as the new military commander, diffusing the tensions to some extent. The political turmoil comes amidst mounting pressure ahead of the 2025 general elections and deepening rifts within the ruling socialist party.
The international community, including leaders from Ireland, Honduras, the US, and the EU, swiftly denounced the events, with calls for respect for democracy and the rule of law. The situation remains fluid, with widespread concerns about the stability of Bolivia’s political landscape.