The president of the nation, Luis Arce, issued a warning on X that there had been a “irregular” deployment of troops and urged “democracy to be respected” as Bolivian TV displayed two tanks and several soldiers in front of the presidential palace in La Paz.
General Zuniga said reporters in the plaza prior to entering the building: “Our state and country cannot continue in this manner; there will undoubtedly be a new cabinet of ministers soon.”
General Zuniga acknowledged President Arce as the commander in chief, but “for the time being.”
The attorney general launched an inquiry against the general, which led to his current arrest, according to Bolivian officials.
What exactly is being charged against him is unknown.In the palace hallway, Mr. Arce could be seen on video on Bolivian TV facing General Commander of the Army Juan Jose Zuniga, who looked to be spearheading the uprising. He told him, “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.”
