In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivian President Luis Arce accused the nation’s army chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga, of attempting a coup d’etat on Wednesday.
Zuniga was subsequently arrested after deploying troops and tanks to surround government buildings in the capital, La Paz.
The move sparked international outrage, with the Plaza Murillo, which houses both the President’s office and Congress,becoming the focal point.
Images broadcasted by international news agencies showed tanks attempting to breach the presidential palace.
Justifying his actions, Zuniga, now dismissed by President Arce, claimed the military’s intention was to “restructure democracy” and end decades of rule by a select few.
Following a tense standoff, Zuniga was apprehended by police while addressing reporters outside a military base.
President Arce addressed the nation from the presidential balcony, calling for national unity against the coup attempt.
He had earlier sworn in new military leaders after dismissing Zuniga.
Meanwhile, former president Evo Morales used social media to denounce the attempted coup and call for the defense of democracy.
The situation in Bolivia remains fluid, with questions lingering about the potential for further unrest.
The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
