Bolivia faces escalation in resistance against ‘coup’
Date
6/30/2024 7:56:29 AM
(MENAFN) In Bolivia, a tense Political standoff has erupted following what government officials and trade unions describe as a military attempt to seize power from the democratically elected administration of President Luis Arce. The crisis unfolded dramatically in La Paz, where military Police and armored vehicles encircled government buildings at Plaza Murillo, reportedly using force to breach entry.
President Arce swiftly condemned the incident as an attempted coup d’état, prompting Vice President David Choquehuanca to declare on social media that Bolivia had experienced a coup against its legitimate government. In response to calls from former President Evo Morales, who himself was ousted in a 2019 coup, Bolivia's confederation of trade unions, Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), announced a nationwide general strike in solidarity with the government.
The situation intensified as General Juan Jose Zuniga, allegedly leading the mutinous units, announced the release of individuals detained following the 2019 coup, labeling them as "political prisoners." This move added further volatility to the already charged atmosphere in La Paz.
Former interim President Jeanine Anez, a key figure in the 2019 events, publicly denounced the military's actions and accused General Zuniga of undermining Bolivia's constitutional order. Anez, who had assumed office after Morales sought asylum abroad, called for democratic principles to prevail and emphasized the need for political change through electoral means in the upcoming 2025 elections.
The unfolding events in Bolivia underscore deep political divisions and historical tensions, with regional and international actors closely monitoring developments amid concerns over democratic stability and governance in the South American nation. As the crisis escalates, Bolivia faces critical challenges in navigating its political future amidst heightened social mobilization and governmental responses to restore order and democratic norms.
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