Bolivia’s failed coup: What we know so far

Following a failed coup attempt, Bolivia jailed more than a dozen high-ranking military and intelligence officials. This includes the former army head, Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga, and the previous navy commander, Gen. Juan Arnez. Zúñiga’s civilian personal aide is suspected of developing the coup strategy. Julio Buitrago, the chief of military intelligence, was among those arrested. There have been 17 arrests, the majority of which have been military personnel.

Coup Planning and Execution

The coup plot started in May with discussions conducted by Zúñiga and Arnez. On Wednesday, June 27, military soldiers led by Zúñiga attempted to seize control by capturing La Paz’s Murillo Plaza. Armoured vehicles assaulted the presidential palace’s doors, while soldiers attempted to break into government offices. President Luis Arce has asked the public to safeguard democracy. According to reports, Arce confronted Zúñiga, ordering him to withdraw. Zúñiga was later arrested, handcuffed, and taken into custody.

Government Response and Allegations

Following the coup attempt, Defence Minister Edmundo Novillo claimed that the government had regained complete authority of the military. Upon arrest, Zúñiga claimed without evidence that he was following Arce’s directions, which Arce strongly rejected. The government claims Zúñiga was attempting to harm the president’s reputation. Novillo interpreted Zúñiga’s actions as an attempt to pull Arce through mud.

Economic and Political Backdrop

Bolivia, which has seen roughly 40 coups since 1946, is currently undergoing an economic crisis, including diminishing foreign currency reserves and fuel shortages. Tensions have been heightened by Arce’s feud with former President Evo Morales, who intends to challenge him in the next general election. The coup attempt has exacerbated the current political instability.

Public and International Reactions

The Bolivian government and international leaders condemned the failed coup. Arce supporters held a rally outside the presidential palace, affording him with a temporary political reprieve. Rich Verma, the United States’ deputy secretary of state for management, criticised the coup attempt, emphasising the hemispheric democracy’s fragility.

Investigation and Ongoing Arrests

The Bolivian government’s investigation into the coup continues, with the goal of identifying all participants. Aníbal Aguilar Gómez, a civilian and major coup ideologue, has been arrested. The Air Force commander is also involved in the planning, but has not been arrested. The investigation tries to determine the entire scope of the conspiracy.

Judicial Concerns and Future Implications

Pro-democracy campaigners have questioned the investigation’s fairness, citing Bolivia’s lack of judicial independence. The government’s handling of the incident, as well as the ongoing political rivalry between Arce and Morales, will have a significant impact on the country’s political environment as elections in 2025 approach.