Calm returns to Bolivia after the failed coup

2024-06-27 17:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Calm returns to Bolivia after the failed coup

Source, VOA

The situation in Bolivia today is calm after the arrest of the former Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces who led an attack against the presidential palace. President Luis Arce called the attack an attempted coup. One of the most dramatic moments, recorded by witnesses at the scene, involves the President's confrontation with former General Zuniga in one of the corridors of the presidential palace, while the riots continued. Wednesday's riots in Bolivia have been condemned by Latin American leaders who have offered support to President Luis Arce as the country faces an economic crisis.

Bolivians say they are united in offering support to President Luis Arce, a day after the armed forces withdrew from the presidential palace in La Paz.

The commander of the armed forces, Jose Juan Zunega, was arrested after being accused by the President of a coup attempt.

In addition to General Zunega, authorities also arrested Juan Arnez Salvador, a former commander of the Bolivian Navy who is also accused of participating in the coup attempt. According to local media over 10 military officers have also been arrested.

"We are completely united. Yesterday has strengthened us. All the Bolivian people are more united than ever", says Alicia Chura, a resident of La Paz.

A day earlier, a video recorded by witnesses at the scene showed an armored vehicle breaking through the doors of the palace and soldiers entering.

One of the most dramatic moments was the confrontation between President Luis Arce and Commander Zuniga, in one of the corridors of the palace. In the cellphone video, President Arce is heard vowing to stand firm against efforts to remove him. He later appointed a new army commander, who ordered the troops to leave.

After the attempt failed, the President addressed the crowd from the balcony of the presidential palace.

"They wanted to surprise us and surprise the Bolivian people. We have reacted and the mobilized people have enabled us to stop this coup attempt. Thank you Bolivian people," said President Luis Arce.

News agencies announce that while the riots continued, former General Zuniga never said that he was leading a coup d'état. While in the presidential palace, he said that the army was trying to "restore democracy and release political prisoners".

However, after the failed coup attempt, while standing on the street, former General Zuniga said that President Arce himself had asked him to attack the presidential palace.

"The president told me: 'The situation is very complicated; this week will be critical, so it is necessary to prepare something to increase my popularity'. I asked him: Shall we take out the armored vehicles? President Arce said take them out", declared former General Zuniga.

After this statement he was arrested.

Latin American leaders condemned today's unrest while offering support to President Luis Arce.