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 military leader in Bolivia. He served as the top general of the Bolivian Army from November 2022. He was removed from his position in June 2024. This happened after a political event where he tried to change the government. This event involved the President, Luis Arce.
Contents
About Juan José Zúñiga
Early Life and Education
Juan Zúñiga Macías was born in Uncía, Bolivia. After finishing school, he joined the Bolivian Army. He graduated in 1990.
Military Career Highlights
Zúñiga held important roles in the army. He was a colonel for the REIM-23 Max Toledo regiment from 2012 to 2013. Later, he worked as a police officer. On November 1, 2022, President Luis Arce chose Zúñiga to be the commanding general of the Bolivian Army. This was a very high position.
Political Events
Views on Former President Morales
On June 24, 2024, Zúñiga made a public statement. He said the Bolivian Armed Forces would stop former President Evo Morales. This would happen if Morales tried to run for president in the next elections in 2025. Zúñiga called Morales a "traitor." He said Morales was planning to go against the current government. Zúñiga also stated that the Constitution of Bolivia would prevent Morales from returning to power. Because of these statements, Zúñiga was removed from his general position on June 25, 2024.
Attempt to Change the Government
On June 26, 2024, Zúñiga led an attempt to change the government. He said he was trying to "restore democracy." Soldiers, led by Zúñiga, took over the main square in La Paz. President Luis Arce asked Zúñiga to make the soldiers leave. Soon after, police took Zúñiga into custody.
Zúñiga claimed he had met with President Arce on June 23. He said Arce wanted to become more popular. Zúñiga alleged that Arce asked him to help by sending tanks into the streets. As of June 28, 2024, Zúñiga and others are being held. They are in custody while investigations continue.
See also
In Spanish: Juan José Zúñiga para niños
