A coup attempt failed in Bolivia after armed rebel forces pulled back from the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday evening and the rebel leader, General Juan Jose Zuniga was arrested. According to the BBC, Zuniga claimed that he wanted to “restructure democracy”. However, President Luis Arce slammed the coup attempt and called on Bolivians to "organise and mobilise... in favour of democracy".


Earlier in the day, military units led by Zuniga — recently stripped of his military command — had gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square. As per the report, armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position in the area where key administrative buildings are located. They all later withdrew. 


A few hours after the President’s speech, pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets in support of the government. Soldiers withdrew from the square and the Bolivian authorities arrested Zuniga and took him away, though his destination wasn’t cleared according to Reuters. 


Tensions In Bolivia


Ahead of the 2025 elections, tensions have been building in the country, as leftist ex-President Evo Morales is planning to run against former ally Arce, creating a major rift in the ruling socialist party and wider political uncertainty, as per Reuters. 


Many Bolivians do not want Morales to return to power, he had governed from 2006-2019 and was finally ousted following widespread protests. Arce then won the election in 2020, as per the report.


Recently, Zuniga said that Morales should not return as president and that he would stop him in case he attempted to, this led Acre to remove Zuniga from his post.


Before the attack on the presidential palace, Zuniga addressed reporters and highlighted the growing anger in the country. According to Reuters, the nation has been grappling with an economic slump, with depleted central bank reserves and pressure on the boliviano currency as gas exports have dried up.


"Stop destroying, stop impoverishing our country, stop humiliating our army," he said in full uniform, flanked by soldiers, insisting the action being taken was supported by the public, reported the news agency.


The public prosecutor will now launch a criminal investigation against those involved in the attempted coup, including Zuniga.