In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia’s recently dismissed Army commander, General Juan José Zúñiga, threatened to overthrow President Luis Arce, demanding a new cabinet and the release of political prisoners. Zúñiga, claiming to act against former President Evo Morales’s potential return, led troops and tanks to occupy key government buildings in La Paz. Amidst Bolivia’s bid to join the BRICS group, President Arce, supported by international allies, confronted and ultimately defused the situation, reaffirming his commitment to democracy and swearing in new military commanders. The crisis highlights the intense political and international pressures surrounding Bolivia’s future.
Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, who had been relieved of duty the day before, threatened to overthrow President Luis Arce Catacora’s government. He demanded a new cabinet and the release of “political prisoners” today. Zúñiga stated he was seeking to prevent former President Evo Morales from running for President again, alleging he would harm the country. A Bolivian court has already declared Morales unable to run again.
Regardless of Zúñiga’s identity or claims, it’s important to note that this isn’t about internal politics. Bolivia is a contender for BRICS membership, which is likely to take place at the BRICS leaders’ conference in Kazan, Russia, on October 22. President Arce has clearly stated his commitment to the BRICS worldview, and as a special guest of President Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5-7, he discussed the importance of the emerging multipolar world, free of neocolonialism and the strictures of the “rules-based order.”
Thus, removing him from power would be convenient for those Anglo-American forces who have also targeted Brazil, the BRICS leader in South America, and who support the miserable Argentine President Javier Milei, who is fighting Brazil and the BRICS momentum in Ibero-America.
Today, Zúñiga’s forces took Plaza Murrillo with troops and tanks in front of the historic Palacio Quemado, the presidential residence, as well as the National Congress. His men used a tank to break down the palace door and force their way inside, where President Arce met them and ordered them to stand down. Zúñiga initially resisted, but after a few tense hours, ordered his forces to withdraw from the plaza. Earlier in the day, Arce decried the “irregular movement of troops” and urged Bolivians to “organize and mobilize to defend democracy.” After the army men left, Arce swore in the new commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In a speech to supporters at the palace, he “saluted those officers who wear their uniform with pride and value the Armed Forces in a democratically-elected government,” Los Tiempos said. The Presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela all issued statements of support for Arce, while Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda urged the international community to come out in support of President Arce and Bolivian democracy.
Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military quelled a deadly coup attempt in Kinshasa, involving a shootout and three deaths. Several people, including Americans, who targeted legislator Vital Kamerhe’s residence, were arrested.
One Response
Democracy is what Afghanistan has. Bolivia definitely doesn’t want that. Bolivia wants a Representative Republic, of the people, by the people, for the people. They are working in that direction if the U.S., and China would quit screwing things up!