Bolivia and Argentina Face Diplomatic Tensions Over Alleged Fake Coup Claims

The Bolivian government summoned the Argentine ambassador on Monday to address claims that last week's attempted military coup was a hoax. This move adds to the fallout from the alleged mutiny that has left Bolivia's 12 million residents in shock. Bolivian President Luis Arce faces criticism at home and abroad, with accusations that he staged the coup to appear heroic.

General Juan Jose Zúñiga, who was sacked and arrested for leading the uprising, first made the accusation against Arce. A group of Bolivian opposition figures called the coup a political stunt, with former President Evo Morales echoing this claim without evidence. Arce has strongly denied these allegations.

Argentine President's Reaction

Right-wing Argentine President Javier Milei was the first head of state to join the sceptics, criticising Bolivia's socialist governments for endangering democracy. "The tale that was told was not very credible," said Argentina's presidency about Wednesday's alleged coup attempt. This marked a dramatic reversal from Argentina's initial condemnation of the troops occupying central La Paz.

Bolivia's interim foreign minister, María Nela Prada, denounced Milei's statement as "unfriendly and reckless" and "misinformed and biased." She and other officials urged Milei to respect Bolivia's national sovereignty. "We have always maintained a position of respect and we will demand the same respect," said Gabriela Alcón, Bolivia's deputy minister of communication.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

Milei's government doubled down on its denial of Bolivia's attempted coup, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. "It is simply a description of the facts, an account of the different information that we are collecting," said presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni during his daily press conference. He did not elaborate further.

Various right-wing opposition figures in Bolivia, who were arrested and are still detained over their alleged roles in the 2019 mass protests that led to then-President Morales' resignation, praised Milei's stance against President Arce.

The Alleged Coup Attempt

Last Wednesday, General Zúñiga and other military officials stormed the presidential palace using a tank to ram its doors, demanding a change in Cabinet. In a dramatic confrontation, Arce ordered Zúñiga to back down, successfully quelling the rebellion after three chaotic hours that unsettled the capital.

A brief surge of popular support for President Arce has since turned into widespread speculation about what truly happened and whether Arce had any involvement. Authorities have expanded their investigation after arresting 21 soldiers, several retired, and at least one civilian linked to the coup attempt. The alleged ringleaders, including Zúñiga, remain in custody pending further investigations.

Government's Stance

Senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo insists that the coup was not a ploy by Arce but a genuine effort to change the government. Explaining its failure, he said: "Fortunately, many people were insubordinate."

The situation continues to develop as both domestic and international reactions unfold. The Bolivian government remains firm in its stance while facing ongoing scrutiny and diplomatic challenges.