Bolivia Arrests 17 in Attempted Coup That Shocked Nation, Says Government

Bolivia's government announced on Thursday that 17 individuals have been detained for their alleged roles in an attempted coup. The incident, which occurred the previous day, saw military forces seemingly turn against President Luis Arce's administration. Armoured vehicles took over the capital's main square, and a tank crashed into the presidential palace, dispersing tear gas on protesters.

Among those arrested were army general Juan José Zúñiga and former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador. Senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo identified Aníbal Aguilar Gómez as the "mastermind" behind the coup but did not provide details on the other 15 detainees. Del Castillo stated that the government is pursuing additional suspects and that the plot began in May.

Support for President Arce

Supporters of President Arce gathered outside his palace on Thursday, chanting pro-democracy slogans. Riot police guarded the palace doors as Arce condemned Zúñiga's actions. Political analysts believe this surge of public support could offer Arce some respite from Bolivia's economic and political challenges.

Political analyst Paul Coca commented, "The president's management has been very bad; there are no dollars, there is no petrol. Yesterday's military move is going to help his image a bit, but it's no solution." Protesters also gathered outside the police station where Zúñiga was detained, demanding his imprisonment.

Allegations and Speculations

Before his arrest, Zúñiga claimed without evidence that President Arce had ordered him to stage the coup to boost his popularity. This allegation sparked widespread speculation and was echoed by opposition senators and critics who called it a "self-coup." The government strongly denied these claims.

In La Paz's Plaza Murillo, supporters addressed Arce with chants of "Lucho, you are not alone!" Fireworks lit up the sky as some Bolivians expressed belief in Zúñiga's allegations on national TV. Lawyer Evaristo Mamani said, "They are playing with the intelligence of the people because nobody believes that it was a real coup."

Immediate Aftermath

The rebellion ended without bloodshed by the end of the business day. President Arce appointed a new army commander who ordered troops to retreat. "Here we are, firm, in the presidential palace, to confront any coup attempt," Arce declared after facing down Zúñiga. Hundreds of supporters took to the streets surrounding the palace, singing the national anthem and cheering for Arce.

The U.S. deputy secretary of state for management, Rich Verma, condemned Zúñiga's actions and noted that "democracy remains fragile in our hemisphere." The short-lived mutiny followed months of rising tensions between Arce and ex-President Evo Morales.

Political Tensions

Morales has made a dramatic political comeback since mass protests and a deadly crackdown forced him to resign in 2019. He has vowed to run against Arce in 2025 despite a constitutional court ruling deeming him ineligible due to his previous terms. This possibility has unsettled Arce, whose popularity has declined amid economic struggles.

The cash crunch has increased pressure on Arce to eliminate food and fuel subsidies ahead of elections. Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo revealed that Tuesday's turmoil stemmed from a private meeting where Arce dismissed Zúñiga over threats to arrest Morales if he joined the 2025 race.

Unfolding Events

Zúñiga gave no indication he was planning a coup during their meeting but later led an armed takeover of government headquarters. The influx of soldiers caused panic in La Paz as residents rushed to ATMs, gas stations, and grocery stores. Bolivia has experienced over 190 coup attempts since its independence in 1825.

Former interim President Jeanine Áñez condemned the coup attempt while urging both Arce and Morales not to run in 2025. Santa Cruz Gov. Luis Fernando Camacho demanded answers from Arce's government regarding Zúñiga's claims that he was ordered to stage the coup.

Legal Consequences

Zúñiga alleged that President Arce asked him to storm the palace to boost his popularity. Bolivian officials have denied these claims, stating that Zúñiga is lying to justify his actions. Prosecutors aim to seek a maximum sentence of 15 to 20 years for Zúñiga on charges of "attacking the constitution."

Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network, remarked, "This is the weirdest coup attempt I have ever seen." She added that Bolivia's democracy remains fragile and more vulnerable now than before.