Military troops under the command of the former commander of the Bolivian Army, Juan José Zuñiga, they broke into the governament Palace where the president himself is meeting Luis Arce with the entire cabinet. Images broadcast live by the broadcaster ‘Telesur’ They showed a military armored vehicle forcing the main door of the building and Zuñiga himself entering the building accompanied by armed soldiers with their faces covered. Before breaking into the building, Zuñiga released a declaration public in the square Murillo where he called for the president’s resignation Luis Arce and the entire government.
Meanwhile, the vice president of Bolivia, David Choquehuancareported that a “coup d’etat” against the government of Luis Arce. “We denounce to the international community that a coup d’état against our democratically elected government has taken place in Bolivia,” said Choquehuanca. Efe writes it.
Former general commander of the Bolivian army Juan José Zuniga – dismissed yesterday after publicly threatening the former presidentand Evo Morales – declared that a new government will soon be appointed because “the country cannot go on like this”. The general was interviewed by Bolivian press after a hundred soldiers led by him broke into the government headquarters in Murillo Square, La Paz. The action of the armed forces had shortly before been defined as ‘irregular’ by President Luis Alberto Arce. Former head of state Morales invited citizens and political movements to take to the streets.
“Let’s call the people and we ask that you rise up against the coup attempt ongoing and take sides in favor of democracy”. The president said so Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, during a short statement. “We are all here and here we will remain determined to counter the coup attempt that threatens ours democracy“, Arce added. “We cannot allow coup attempts to cause the deaths of Bolivians. We urge all those who care about democracy and social organizations to show again the path of democracy to the Bolivian people”. A few minutes earlier, the head of state had met with General Zúniga asking him to demobilize the troops who had meanwhile surrounded Murillo Square and set up barriers to prevent citizenship to approach the government building. The military used tear gas against the crowd that shouted “golpists” and “Lucho is not alone” they try to get closer to the square.
There Farnesina with the Crisis Unit e the Embassy of Italy in Bolivia monitor the situation a LaPaz. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani follows its evolution. For any emergency or report we invite you to contact us Crisis Unit at +39 0636225″. The Farnesina writes it in her account on X
“L’European Union condemns any attempt to upset the constitutional order in Bolivia and to overthrow democratically elected governments, and expresses its solidarity with the Bolivian government and people”. Josep Borrell.
“Spain strongly condemns military movements in Bolivia”. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez writes it on X. “We send support and solidarity to the Government of Bolivia and its people”, writes the socialist leader, and makes an appeal “to respect democracy and the rule of law”.
Cuba, Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela have also firmly military coup attempt in Bolivia condemned.
The former president of Bolivia, Evo Moralesreports on X that “a group of the Special Regiment of Challapata occupied the Murillo Square (in front of the government building) and has stationed snipers”. “This means that the coup d’état was prepared in advance”, continues Morales’ post which concludes with an appeal to the people to “defend the homeland by some military groups that act against democracy.”
A video broadcast from Bolivian television the president showed Luis Arce as he confronts the army commander general, Juan José Zúñiga, in the palace corridor. “I’m your captain and I order you to withdraw your soldiers and I will not allow this insubordination”, Arce’s words. Before entering the government building, Zúñiga told journalists present in the square: “Definitely there will be a new government soonour country, our state cannot go on like this”. Bolivian television showed two tanks and some men in military uniform in front of the government palace. The former Bolivian president Evo Morales, on military in Plaza Murillo, calling it a coup “in progress”
AP
The military storms the government building in Bolivia
Former general commander of the Bolivian army Juan José Zunigawho is leading a coup attempt in Bolivia, said military forces in the country have begun to free political prisonersstating that it will be “democracy restored”. Telesur reports it.
Among the inmates there is‘former interim President Jeanine Anez and will “restore” democracy in the country.”We will free Anez, the governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camachothe detained soldiers,” Zuniga told the media in front of the government headquarters next to a tank
