2024 Bolivian coup d'état attempt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2024 Bolivian coup d'état attempt |
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 Plaza Murillo being surrounded by soldiers during the coup attempt |
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| President Luis Arce | General Juan José Zúñiga | ||||||
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On June 26, 2024, General Juan José Zúñiga tried to take control of the government in Bolivia. He was the commander of the Bolivian Army. He sent soldiers to take over Plaza Murillo in La Paz, which is Bolivia's main government city. The soldiers also tried to enter the Casa Grande del Pueblo, the presidential palace.
The day before, President Luis Arce had removed Zúñiga from his job. This was because Zúñiga had reportedly made threats against former president Evo Morales. When the coup attempt began, President Arce spoke out against it. Many other Bolivian politicians also condemned the actions. People who supported democracy went into the streets to protest. The Bolivian Workers' Center, a large group of workers, called for a general strike.
The attempt to take over the government ended quickly. President Arce personally faced General Zúñiga inside the presidential palace. After this, Zúñiga and the leaders of the Air Force and Navy were immediately fired. The new Army commander, José Wilson Sánchez, ordered all the soldiers to go back to their bases. Many countries around the world also spoke out against the coup attempt.
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Why the Coup Attempt Happened
On June 25, 2024, General Juan José Zúñiga was removed from his position as Army commander. This happened because of things he said about former president Evo Morales. Morales claimed that Zúñiga had threatened him. Zúñiga had also reportedly threatened Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez and Senator Leonardo Loza.
In an interview, Zúñiga stated that the Bolivian Armed Forces would arrest Morales. This would happen if Morales tried to run for president in the 2025 elections. These statements led to Zúñiga's removal, which then led to the coup attempt.
What Happened During the Coup
Bolivian TV showed images of tanks and soldiers at Plaza Murillo. This square is in front of the government palace in La Paz. The state news agency reported that the military movement began around 2:30 p.m. General Zúñiga was in the square and spoke on TV. He said that the military leaders were unhappy. He also said there would be a new government and that things needed to change. Zúñiga also mentioned that "political prisoners" like former president Jeanine Áñez would be set free.
BBC news showed an armored vehicle ramming the gate of the Casa Grande del Pueblo, the presidential palace. Soldiers then entered the building. Evo Morales said that a special army group took over Plaza Murillo. At the same time, President Arce spoke from inside the palace. He asked people to protest against the coup to protect democracy.
Many Bolivian citizens rushed to banks, shops, and pharmacies. There was a lot of chaos across Bolivia. The Minister of Government, Eduardo del Castillo, went up to one of the armored vehicles. He demanded that the soldiers get out and that a colonel explain why they were there.
TV video showed President Arce confronting Zúñiga in the palace hallway. Arce told him: "I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers. I will not allow this disobedience."
President Arce and his government then spoke to the country from the Casa Grande del Pueblo. They encouraged people to protest. A group of protesters surrounded streets near Plaza Murillo. They chanted in support of Arce's government. The military used tear gas to control the crowd. The Bolivian Workers' Center, a major union group, spoke out against the coup. They announced an immediate and ongoing strike.
During the coup attempt, Arce named new leaders for the Bolivian Army, Navy, and Air Force. He said the soldiers who rebelled were "staining the uniform." He appointed José Wilson Sánchez as the new Army chief. Sánchez then ordered all soldiers involved in the coup to return to their barracks. Soon after, the soldiers and armored vehicles left the presidential palace.
After the Coup Attempt
On the evening of June 26, Bolivian police arrested General Zúñiga. The public prosecutor's office announced they would investigate those involved in the coup attempt.
After his arrest, Zúñiga claimed that he met with President Luis Arce on June 23. Zúñiga said Arce told him to bring tanks to the streets. He claimed Arce wanted to create a "self-coup" to increase his popularity.
After making these statements, Zúñiga was taken to the offices of the Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) in La Paz. Later, the Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, presented Zúñiga to the press as a "criminal." Del Castillo described the events as a "failed coup."
See also
- Coups d'état in Bolivia
- In Spanish: Intento de golpe de Estado en Bolivia de 2024 para niños
