Bolivia is facing a grave political crisis as President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales have denounced ‘irregular mobilizations’ of military units in La Paz, with tanks and heavily armed soldiers gathering in Plaza Murillo, the site of the government headquarters. Morales has called for a national mobilization to defend democracy, including an indefinite general strike and road blockade. The situation escalated following the dismissal of the Army’s General Commander, Juan José Zúñiga, after he made threats against Morales and criticized his potential candidacy in the upcoming elections. Zúñiga’s removal has led to fears of a coup d’état, reminiscent of the political turmoil Bolivia experienced in 2019 . The Organization of American States has condemned the military’s actions, calling for the armed forces to submit to the democratically elected government. The international community has expressed its support for Bolivia’s constitutional order and democracy, with President Arce urging respect for the nation’s democratic processes. As tanks and military personnel occupy strategic locations in the capital, the country remains on high alert, with the potential for widespread civil unrest.
Key points
- Bolivian President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales have denounced irregular military movements in La Paz, suggesting an attempted coup.
- Tanks and heavily armed soldiers have been deployed in Plaza Murillo, where the government is headquartered.
- The international community and the Organization of American States have condemned the military’s actions and called for respect for Bolivia’s constitutional order.
