Bolivia witnesses attempted coup
Date
6/30/2024 7:53:28 AM
(MENAFN) Tensions have escalated in Bolivia as military Police and armored vehicles reportedly encircled the government headquarters in La Paz, prompting accusations of an attempted coup against President Luis Arce. In a national address, President Arce condemned the unfolding events in the capital as a coup d'état in progress, marking a critical moment in the country's Political landscape.
Former President Evo Morales, himself ousted in a 2019 coup, pointed fingers at General Juan Jose Zuniga, accusing him of orchestrating the attempted coup. Morales swiftly called for a national response, urging a general strike and road blockades to defend Bolivia's democratic institutions.
Social media platforms became a battleground for political rhetoric, with President Arce denouncing what he described as irregular mobilization by segments of the Bolivian Army, underscoring the imperative of upholding democratic principles amid the unfolding crisis.
Videos circulating from Plaza Murillo depicted scenes of armed personnel in military uniforms surrounding the government palace, deploying riot shields labeled as "Military Police," and reportedly using armored vehicles to breach entrances.
In a show of regional solidarity, Honduran President Xiomara Castro appealed to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to condemn what she termed as fascist actions threatening democracy in Bolivia. Castro emphasized the necessity of respecting civilian rule and the constitutional order amidst the military's alleged intervention.
The current developments echo Bolivia's tumultuous political history, notably the mass protests in 2019 alleging electoral fraud during Evo Morales's re-election, which ultimately led to his departure into exile in Mexico and the interim presidency of Jeanine Anez.
The situation in Bolivia continues to evolve rapidly, with international concern mounting over the implications for democratic governance and stability in the region, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and uphold democratic norms.
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