Juan José Zúñiga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan José Zúñiga
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Juan José Zúñiga in 2022.
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| Commanding General of the Bolivian Army | |
| In office 1 November 2022 – 26 June 2024 |
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| President | Luis Arce |
| Succeeded by | José Wilson Sánchez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Uncía, Potosí, Bolivia |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Bolivia |
| Branch/service |  Bolivian Army |
| Rank | General |
Juan José Zúñiga Macías is a former officer in the Bolivian Army. He was the top general of the Bolivian Army from November 2022 until June 2024. He was removed from his position after he was involved in an attempt to take over the government against President Luis Arce.
Contents
Juan José Zúñiga's Early Life
Juan Zúñiga Macías was born in Uncía, Bolivia. After finishing school, he joined the Bolivian Army. He graduated from the army academy in 1990.
Zúñiga's Military Career
Zúñiga served as a colonel in the REIM-23 Max Toledo regiment between 2012 and 2013. Later, he worked as a police officer.
After holding important roles like Chief of Staff, Zúñiga became the commanding general of the Bolivian Army. President Luis Arce appointed him to this high position on November 1, 2022.
Conflict with Evo Morales
On June 24, 2024, General Zúñiga stated that the Bolivian Armed Forces would arrest former President Evo Morales. This statement was made if Morales tried to run for president again in the 2025 elections. Zúñiga called Morales a "traitor" and accused him of planning against the government. He also said that the Constitution of Bolivia would stop Morales from returning to power.
Because of these statements, Zúñiga was removed from his role as commanding general on June 25, 2024. Before this, Morales had accused Zúñiga of leading a military group. Morales claimed this group was plotting against him and other political figures.
2024 Attempt to Take Over the Government
On June 26, 2024, Juan José Zúñiga was the main leader behind an attempt to take over the government in Bolivia. He said he was trying to "restore democracy." President Luis Arce asked Zúñiga to make his soldiers leave the main square in La Paz.
Soon after, Zúñiga was arrested by the police. Zúñiga claimed that he had met with President Arce on June 23. He said Arce had told him to deploy tanks into the streets to make Arce more popular.
As of July 2025, Zúñiga and others involved in the attempt are being held in the Chonchocoro maximum-security prison. This prison is located outside La Paz. They are awaiting trial.
Images for kids
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Juan José Zúñiga in 2022.
See also
In Spanish: Juan José Zúñiga para niños
