Following President Luis Arce’s criticism of a “coup” attempt against the government and appeal for outside assistance, Bolivian armed personnel withdrew from the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday night, and a general was taken into custody.
The presidential palace and Congress are located in the central Plaza Murillo plaza, where military units under the command of General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was just relieved of his military command, had assembled earlier in the day. An armored vehicle rammed a door of the presidential mansion, and soldiers rushed in, according to a Reuters witness.
“The nation is currently dealing with an attempted coup d’état. Speaking from the presidential palace with armed soldiers outside, Arce stated, “Today the country faces interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short.”
“Today, the people of Bolivia are called upon. The Bolivian people must band together and mobilize in support of democracy in opposition to the coup d’état.”
A Reuters witness witnessed the military leave the square and the police seize control of the plaza a few hours later. Zuniga was taken into custody by Bolivian officials, although it was not immediately apparent where they were going.
Arce installed José Wilson Sanchez, who had served as Zuniga’s military commander, inside the presidential palace. He demanded the restoration of peace and order.
“I order that all personnel mobilized on the streets return to their units,” Sanchez stated. “We entreat that the blood of our soldiers not be spilled.”
The US said it was keeping a careful eye on the situation and advised moderation.
