17 Arrested Over Attempted Coup in Bolivia, Including Alleged Mastermind

Bolivia's government announced the arrest of 17 individuals on Thursday, linked to an attempted coup that occurred the previous day. The South American country, home to 12 million people, was left in shock as military forces appeared to turn against President Luis Arce. Armoured vehicles seized the capital's main square, a tank crashed into the presidential palace, and tear gas was used on protesters.

Senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo revealed that among those arrested was a civilian named Aníbal Aguilar Gómez, described as the "mastermind" behind the coup attempt. Del Castillo mentioned that the government is still pursuing additional suspects, noting that the conspirators began plotting in May. Supporters of President Arce rallied outside his palace on Thursday, chanting pro-democracy slogans and providing some political support to the embattled leader.

Political Turmoil and Arrests

In the hours following the coup attempt, army general Juan José Zúñiga and former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador were arrested and remain in custody. Riot police guarded the palace doors as President Arce condemned Zúñiga's actions. Analysts believe this surge of public support, though possibly temporary, offers Arce some respite from Bolivia's economic and political challenges.

Protesters gathered outside the police station where Zúñiga was detained, demanding his imprisonment. "It's a shame what Zúñiga did," said Dora Quispe, a 47-year-old demonstrator. "We are in a democracy, not a dictatorship." Before his arrest, Zúñiga claimed without evidence that President Arce had ordered him to stage the coup to boost his popularity.

Speculations and Allegations

Zúñiga's allegations sparked widespread speculation about the true nature of the coup attempt. Opposition senators and government critics echoed these claims, calling it a "self-coup," which Arce's government strongly denied. In La Paz's Plaza Murillo, supporters cheered for Arce with fireworks overhead, chanting "Lucho, you are not alone!"

Some Bolivians believed Zúñiga's claims that the coup was a hoax. "They are playing with the intelligence of the people because nobody believes it was a real coup," said Evaristo Mamani, a 48-year-old lawyer. Lawmakers and former officials also supported these allegations. Carlos Romero, a former official in Morales' government, stated, "This has been a setup."

Immediate Aftermath

The attempted takeover quickly lost momentum as it became clear there was no significant political backing. The rebellion ended bloodlessly by day's end. President Arce appointed a new army commander who ordered troops to retreat immediately. "Here we are, firm in the presidential palace to confront any coup attempt," Arce declared after facing down Zúñiga.

Hundreds of Arce's supporters filled the streets around the palace on Wednesday night, singing the national anthem and cheering for him. Authorities swiftly arrested Zúñiga as his soldiers withdrew from central La Paz. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma condemned Zúñiga's actions while speaking in Paraguay on Thursday.

Background Tensions

The brief mutiny followed months of rising tensions between President Arce and ex-President Evo Morales. Morales has made a dramatic political comeback since resigning in 2019 amid mass protests and a deadly crackdown. Despite a constitutional court ruling deeming him ineligible due to previous terms served, Morales has vowed to run against Arce in the 2025 elections.

This possibility has unsettled Arce, whose popularity has declined amid dwindling foreign currency reserves and collapsing natural gas exports. The cash crunch has increased pressure on Arce to eliminate food and fuel subsidies ahead of elections—a potentially explosive move.

Defense Minister’s Insights

Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo linked Wednesday's turmoil to a private meeting on Tuesday where Arce dismissed Zúñiga over threats to arrest Morales if he joined the 2025 race. Novillo noted that Zúñiga gave no indication he planned to seize power during their meeting.

"He admitted that he had committed some excesses," Novillo said about Zúñiga. "We said goodbye amicably with hugs." However, mere hours later, panic gripped La Paz as Zúñiga stormed government headquarters with armoured vehicles and supporters.

Public Reaction

The influx of soldiers caused widespread panic among Bolivians who rushed to ATMs, queued at gas stations, and ransacked grocery stores. Bolivia has experienced over 190 coup attempts since its independence in 1825. The fragmented opposition rejected this coup before it became clear it had failed.

Former interim President Jeanine Áñez condemned the soldiers' actions but urged both Arce and Morales not to run in 2025 elections. Santa Cruz Governor Luis Fernando Camacho demanded answers from Arce's government on Thursday regarding whether it was a media spectacle or military madness.

Zúñiga’s Shocking Claims

Zúñiga shocked many by alleging that President Arce had asked him directly to storm the palace and bring armoured vehicles into downtown La Paz to boost his popularity amid critical conditions. Bolivian officials have denied these claims, stating that Zúñiga was lying to justify his actions.

Prosecutors announced they would seek maximum sentences of 15 to 20 years for Zúñiga on charges of "attacking the constitution." Political experts remain puzzled by Wednesday's events. Kathryn Ledebur from the Andean Information Network remarked, "This is the weirdest coup attempt I have ever seen."

The situation underscores Bolivia's fragile democracy which appears more vulnerable now than before these events unfolded.