An army general was arrested in Bolivia after an apparent failed coup attempt, as the government faced a new crisis.
According to sources, it is alleged that within hours, the nation of 12 million people witnessed a rapidly moving scenario in which the troops seemed to take control of the government of President Luis Arce.
He vowed to stand firm and appointed a new army commander, who immediately ordered the troops to stand down.
Soon after, the soldiers pulled back, along with a line of military vehicles, ending the rebellion after just three hours.
Also read:ZIFA Referees Committee withdraws from officiating Black Rhinos games
Hundreds of Arce’s supporters then rushed to the square outside the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem, and cheering.
The soldiers’ retreat was followed by the arrest of Army Chief Gen.
Juan José Zúñiga, after the attorney general opened an investigation.
Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo stated that in addition to Zúñiga, former Navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was taken into custody.
The apparent coup attempt occurred as the country faced months of tensions and political conflicts between Arce and his one-time ally, former leftist President Evo Morales, over control of the ruling party. It also came amid a severe economic crisis.
The clashes have paralyzed the government’s efforts to address the economic crisis. For example, Morales’ allies in Congress have consistently thwarted Arce’s attempts to take on debt to alleviate some of the pressure.
Zúñiga referenced this paralysis during the rebellion, telling reporters the military was tired of the infighting and was seeking “to restore democracy.”
“We are listening to the cry of the people because for many years an elite has taken control of the country,” he said, adding that politicians are “destroying the country: look at what situation we are in, what crisis they have left us in.”
“The armed forces intend to restore democracy, to make it a true democracy,” he said.
Source Newsreportzim.com
