A tense situation is unfolding in La Paz, Bolivia, as armored vehicles and heavily armed Military Police (PM) personnel arrived at Plaza Murillo, the heart of the government district. President Luis Arce took to social media to denounce these “irregular mobilizations” of the Bolivian Army, emphasizing the importance of respecting democracy.
Military Secures Plaza, Minister Confronts Soldiers: The military contingent arrived in a strategic manner, with advance vehicles securing each corner of the plaza to allow the main convoy safe passage. Each military vehicle displayed a soldier armed with a helmet and what appeared to be heavy weaponry.
Upon reaching the plaza, which houses the Government Palace and the Legislative Assembly, military personnel began clearing the area of civilians. One vehicle positioned itself at the entrance to the old Government Palace, where Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo emerged. Footage shows del Castillo attempting to physically confront the soldiers with kicks, punches, and shouts, but receiving no response from the military personnel. Despite journalists’ questions regarding the situation and the possibility of a coup d’état, del Castillo remained silent.
Media Restricted, Tear Gas Used on Protesters: The tense scene included soldiers restricting journalists from covering the events and deploying tear gas against civilians who remained around the plaza, chanting slogans in support of democracy.
Military Leader Emerges, Minister of Public Works Arrives: At 3:27 PM, heavily guarded by Military Police in riot gear, General Juan José Zúñiga, the Army commander, emerged from a military vehicle, intending to enter the Government Palace. Despite being dressed in full uniform with a beret, General Zúñiga ignored all questions posed by the media. He was accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Édgar Montaño, who had arrived at the plaza minutes earlier but claimed to have no information about the unfolding events.
Update 15:51
ANF journalists are reporting that presidential palace has been breached
Update 15:59An armored vehicle leaves Plaza Murillo with General Juan José Zúñiga
Update 16:01
ANF reports that 8 to 10 armored vehicles from Oruro have arrived at the Ingavi Regiment in El Alto
Update 16:03
OAS condemns military action in Plaza Murillo
Update 16:20
General Zúñiga delivered a fiery speech, decrying the “pain of someone desperate for power” and the “gangsters who want to take power at all costs.” He accused these unnamed groups of wanting to dismantle the Armed Forces, exploit natural resources, and manipulate the poor to gain power. Zúñiga emphasized the military’s duty to “recover this nation” and end the “looting” and “destruction of our country.”
Standoff with Minister, Media Questions Authority: The scene at Plaza Murillo was tense. General Zúñiga’s arrival coincided with a public confrontation between the military and Eduardo del Castillo, the Minister of Government. Footage captured del Castillo’s attempt to physically block the soldiers’ entry, but his efforts were unsuccessful. When questioned by the press, Zúñiga remained evasive, stating he recognized Arce “for the moment” but also declaring the military’s intention to “take over.”
Military Cites Public Discontent and Targets Political Party: Justifying his actions, Zúñiga claimed the military’s mobilization responded to “the people’s clamor” for an end to national problems. He specifically targeted the “followers of Evo Morales and the MAS party,” suggesting their role in the country’s woes. When directly asked if he recognized President Arce’s authority, Zúñiga’s response of “for the moment” created significant uncertainty. The discontent of police units was also mentioned by Zúñiga, potentially suggesting broader support for his actions.
Update 16:27
Evo Denounces Coup by General Zúñiga and Declares General Strike in Defense of Democracy
Evo Morales has denounced that General Juan José Zúñiga is orchestrating a coup d’état, in response to which he has called for an indefinite general strike and roadblocks.
“We call for a National Mobilization to defend Democracy against the coup d’état being led by General Zúñiga. We declare an indefinite general strike and roadblocks.
We will not allow the Armed Forces to undermine democracy and intimidate the people,” he posted on X.
Update 16:37
“President Arce: We can’t allow We need that Bolivian people movilize agains the coup…”
Update 16:50
President Arce calls for organizing and mobilizing against the “coup d’état”. The head of state called on social organizations to take part in this situation, “in favor of democracy…”
Update 17:07
“It cannot be that subordinates are imprisoned just for obeying an order. We are going to release all political prisoners from Camacho, Áñez, and the generals…” said General Juan J. Zúñiga.
Update 17:08
The Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) calls for an indefinite general strike following the military occupation of Plaza Murillo and the Palacio Quemado in La Paz
Update 17:12
Arce and Choquehuanca appointing new military leadership
Update 17:20
The new Army commander José Wilson Sánchez Velásquez instructs all military units in Plaza Murillo to return to their military units.
Update 17:23
ANF reports that long lines are causing collapses at markets, supermarkets, and gas stations around La Paz.
Update 17:31
Radio Panamericana is reporting that military armored vehicles are leaving Plaza Murillo.
Update 17:51
Political Analyst Franklin Pareja reflects on today’s events on Twitter:
“Strange attempted coup, where authorities give live statements without any sign of stress. Military take Plaza Murillo openly, with media and public present cheering. Hypothesis: Government, overwhelmed by crisis, seeks to escape by staging a show with the armed forces.”
