2024 Bolivian coup attempt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2024 Bolivian coup attempt |
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 Protesters stand up to soldiers outside the Plaza Murillo |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Luis Arce David Choquehuanca Edmundo Novillo Evo Morales |
Juan José Zúñiga Juan Arnez Marcelo Zegarra |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | 21 officers detained | ||||||
| 12 civilians injured | |||||||
On June 26, 2024, a group of soldiers in Bolivia tried to take over the government in an event known as a military coup. The attempt was led by General Juan José Zúñiga. Soldiers and military vehicles moved into the Plaza Murillo, a very important square in the city of La Paz. This is where the country's main government buildings are located.
The takeover failed after just a few hours. The president of Bolivia, Luis Arce, appointed new military leaders. He also received support from people in Bolivia and leaders from other countries. The soldiers were ordered to leave the plaza and go back to their bases.
This event happened during a time of trouble in Bolivia. The country was facing money problems, and there were disagreements within the main political party, the Movement for Socialism. The disagreements were between President Arce and the former president, Evo Morales.
A few days before the coup attempt, General Zúñiga said that the army would arrest Morales if he tried to run for president again in 2025. Because of this statement, Zúñiga was fired from his job.
After his arrest, Zúñiga claimed that President Arce had secretly planned the whole event to make himself look like a hero and gain more support. President Arce has said this is not true.
Contents
Background of the Conflict
For many years, Bolivia had a history of military coups. But in 1982, the country became a democracy, meaning the people could elect their leaders. For over 40 years, the military did not try to take power.
Political Tensions
The problems leading up to the 2024 event started years earlier. In 2019, then-President Evo Morales ran for a fourth term, which was controversial. His election win was questioned, leading to big protests. Morales eventually resigned, and his party called it a coup.
In 2020, a new election was held. Luis Arce, who was chosen by Morales, won the presidency. This brought their party, the Movement for Socialism (MAS), back into power.
However, Arce and Morales later began to disagree. By 2024, their party had split into two groups: one loyal to Arce and one loyal to Morales. This split made it hard for the government to solve the country's growing money problems. With protests happening and his popularity dropping, President Arce asked the military to protect him from plans to remove him from power.
The Day of the Coup Attempt
What Happened Before the Takeover
On June 24, two days before the coup attempt, General Juan José Zúñiga went on television. He said the military would arrest former president Morales if he tried to run for president again. This caused a lot of anger, and it was reported that Zúñiga was fired.
On the morning of June 26, it was still unclear if Zúñiga had been fired. He even attended a military event. Later, it was confirmed he had been dismissed the night before. Around noon, the government learned that military units were moving toward the capital city, La Paz. President Arce rushed back to the presidential palace to meet with his team.
Soldiers Seize the Plaza
At about 2:30 in the afternoon, soldiers and military vehicles took control of Plaza Murillo. President Arce saw the tanks from his window. His government minister, Eduardo del Castillo, went outside and yelled at the soldiers to leave.
President Arce used social media to announce that an "irregular" military movement was happening and called for democracy to be respected. He also called former president Morales to warn him. Morales then used social media to ask his supporters to protest against the coup.
General Zúñiga spoke to reporters in the plaza. He said the military wanted to "restore democracy" and that he had the support of the people. A few minutes later, an armored vehicle broke down the door of the old government building, the Palacio Quemado. Soldiers led by Zúñiga then entered the building.
A Standoff in the Palace
Inside the palace, President Arce confronted General Zúñiga. He ordered Zúñiga to take his soldiers back to their bases. "I will not allow it! ... It's an order!" Arce shouted. Zúñiga, surrounded by his soldiers, refused.
However, the coup attempt was already starting to fail. The leaders did not have enough support from other parts of the military or from political groups. The national police did not join them. The head of the Air Force also backed out.
How the Coup Ended
President Arce quickly held a ceremony to appoint new leaders for the army, navy, and air force. The new army commander, José Wilson Sánchez, immediately went on television. He ordered all soldiers in the plaza to return to their bases.
Within minutes, the armored vehicles and soldiers left the plaza. The police then secured the area. The entire takeover attempt lasted only about three hours.
After the soldiers left, crowds of people who supported the government filled the plaza. They celebrated by singing and waving flags. From a balcony, President Arce thanked them for their support and shouted, "Long live democracy!"
Reactions to the Event
Inside Bolivia
Many Bolivian leaders, including former presidents Carlos Mesa and Jorge Quiroga, spoke out against the coup. They said that governments should only be changed through elections. Even political opponents of President Arce who were in jail did not support the military's actions.
Around the World
Countries across Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, quickly condemned the coup. They showed their support for Bolivia's democratic government. The European Union, Russia, and Spain also spoke out against it.
The United States said it was watching the situation closely. The Organization of American States (OAS) held a meeting and passed a resolution expressing "serious concern" over the events. The OAS said that such actions were a threat to Bolivia's government.
Aftermath
On the evening of June 26, police arrested General Zúñiga. The government announced an investigation into everyone who was involved in the failed coup.
After his arrest, Zúñiga made a surprising claim. He said that President Arce had asked him to stage a fake coup to make the president more popular. President Arce and his government said this was a lie. They stated that Zúñiga had planned a real coup and wanted to make himself president.
Other military leaders involved in the plot were also detained. By June 27, authorities had identified 17 people they said were involved. Zúñiga and two other high-ranking officers were sent to a maximum-security prison while they awaited trial.
Former President Evo Morales also accused Arce of planning a "self-coup." He called for an independent investigation. The government strongly denied these claims.
See also
In Spanish: Intento de golpe de Estado en Bolivia de 2024 para niños
- 1984 Bolivian coup attempt
- 2019 Bolivian political crisis
