Bolivia Military Coup Attempt... Armed Entry into Presidential Palace Followed by Withdrawal

"Will Reclaim Fallen Homeland" Former JCS Chairman's Coup
President Arse Replaces Military Command... Arrested

The Bolivian military attempted a coup on the 26th (local time) but failed after about three hours. The military tried to forcibly enter the presidential palace using tanks and armored vehicles, but later withdrew following President Luis Arce's condemnation of the coup attempt and call for international support, as well as public backlash.

According to AP News and others, armed Bolivian soldiers gathered in the Murillo Square in the capital city of La Paz in the afternoon, leading with tanks and armored vehicles. Murillo Square is where the presidential palace (government offices), the National Congress, and the cathedral are located.

Bolivian soldiers stand in front of the government office in the capital city, La Paz.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Bolivian military partially restricted citizens' passage in front of the government building and attempted to break into the entrance with armored vehicles.

The actions of the Bolivian military that day were under the orders of former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Juan Jose Suniaga. Although General Suniaga did not explicitly state that he was leading a coup, according to local media El Deber, he said, "For years, so-called elite groups have taken control of the country and caused the collapse of the homeland," and "Our military aims to reconstruct the democratic system to make the country truly belong to the people, not just a small minority."

Bolivia has recently experienced a sharp economic downturn, intensifying protests over the past few months. With the 2025 general election approaching, political uncertainty has increased as former President Evo Morales plans to run against President Arce. Morales was in power from 2006 to 2019 but stepped down amid allegations of election fraud. Initially allies, President Arce and former President Morales are now estranged.

In an interview with local broadcasters, General Suniaga called for the formation of a new cabinet, urging, "Stop destroying our country, stop impoverishing it, and stop insulting the military." He also demanded the release of several politicians and military personnel opposed to President Arce.

According to local media, he was recently dismissed from his position after making statements such as "Morales cannot be president again."

President Arce confronted General Suniaga inside the government building, saying, "I am your superior. I order you to withdraw," and "I will not tolerate disobedience." Along with his ministers, he issued a video statement declaring, "We cannot tolerate a coup attempt that takes the lives of Bolivians."

He immediately replaced the military leadership (three members). The new leadership ordered the troops to return to their units, and the military withdrew from Murillo Square.

General Suniaga was arrested by the police that day. The prosecution has launched an investigation into his criminal charges.

After the military withdrawal, President Arce stated, "This was a coup attempt by the military that dirtied their uniforms and attacked the constitution," and condemned "the military's attitude of carrying out a coup despite the Bolivian people always being supporters of democracy, repeating a regrettable history."