A high-ranking Bolivian minister stated this Thursday (27) that the Bolivian government had advance information that a coup attempt could be made this week.
Wednesday’s (26) failed coup occurred in just a few hours and drew swift condemnation from world leaders, raising fears that democracy in Bolivia remains at risk.
In an interview with Bolivian broadcaster Unitel, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said that President Luis Arce had received reports of “destabilization attempts,” although he warned that the government had no further details.
During the mobilization of military units on Wednesday, the country’s military commander gathered troops in the main square of the capital La Paz, knocking on the palace door with an armored vehicle to allow soldiers to enter the building.
The soldiers eventually withdrew and the police regained control of the square. Arce then criticized the coup attempt and quickly appointed a new commander for the Army.
Former commander Juan José Zuniga was arrested, as was former Navy commander Juan Arnez Salvador, del Castillo said, noting that about a dozen military officers were detained and could face prison sentences of between 15 and 30 years.
During a Thursday morning session of the Organization of American States (OAS) held in Paraguay, Bolivia’s ambassador said that about 200 military officers participated in the operation led by Zuniga.
Elsewhere, calls for accountability for the coup attempt grew louder.
“I urge authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation into allegations of violence and reports of injuries,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk. “Those responsible must be held accountable.”
Zuniga recently said that Arce’s former mentor turned political rival, former President Evo Morales, should not be allowed to run for president again and threatened to block him if he tried to do so.
The commander was informed Tuesday night that he would be removed from his post because his conduct was “not in accordance with the Constitution,” according to del Castillo. He said Zuniga reacted calmly to the news.
“But no one could have imagined that the next day, before the official transfer of office, there would be a failed coup in our country,” he said.
On Wednesday night, Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada told reporters that Zuniga, in his confession to police, said the coup attempt failed because reinforcements did not arrive in time.
Upon his arrest, Zuniga said he was instructed to carry out the coup under Arce’s direction in order to increase the president’s popularity, which Prada later denied.
Source: CNN Brasil
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