What caused Bolivia’s coup – what we know
Dailytab24.
While General Zúñiga’s troops were ramming the presidential palace gate to gain access, President Arce knew something was going to happen, and he needs the people of Bolivia to conquer the inevitable in that moment.
He quickly made an address to the people of Bolivia, calling on them to come out and stop the desperate soldiers who are poised for a coup.
The people answered the call, and the call was answered despite their differences. Their anger or opposition to the government was put aside for the common good of the country.
Bolivia has a history of coups, with the South American country recording coups for more than 39 times in their history – which is the motivation of the soldiers led by Zúñiga, they knew that soldiers have had their way in the past, and believe they can always have their way.
The coup ultimately failed, and the credit was given to the timely intervention of the people, who have been protesting against poor economy.
Zúñiga was relinquished of his position as the country’s head of defence a day before the coup attempt. His dismissal was believed to have also inspired his move to carry out a coup.
While he smoothly accepted his removal, it’s believed he wasn’t happy with the action of the President who deposed him as the country’s Army number one.
When the President lifted his arm to the crowd that had stormed the presidential palace, it was a relief and a declaration of victory. The coup failed woefully, as the coup leader was arrested immediately.
Zúñiga said the coup was stage manged by the President himself to be more popular. It’s a funny statement by a drowning man.
Edmundo Novillo, Arce defense minister assured the citizens of Bolivia that democracy won, telling them to go back to their normal business.
“We urge the population that everything goes back to normal,” he said in a press conference.
Bolivia is landlocked and has been battling poor economy which citizens blamed the government for.
In recent weeks, citizens have taken to the streets to demand a proactive approach to currency depreciation and failing economy.
The coup leaders anticipated they would take advantage of the protests against the government, but were disappointed when the people stormed the presidential palace in support of the President.
“They thought we are in the days of dictatorship” one citizen said to Aljazera news network.
A country facing enormous challenges which include shortages of fuel and other basic necessities still turned out for the government.
The people still prefer democracy to military rule or dictatorship, and they made a clear statement that the days of Bolivia’s dark history are gone.
While he was being arrested, Zúñiga spoke to reporters.
“On Sunday I met with the president and the president told me, ‘The situation was very f*****, that this week would be critical. And so, it’s necessary to prepare something to bring up my popularity.’ And so he told me, he asked me, ‘Shall we take out the armored (vehicles)?’”
Zúñiga’s narrative was quickly debunked by Justice Minister Ivan Lima who said the General lied. He noted that he took the decision on his own to carry out a failed coup.
“lies and (he) tries to justify himself about a decision he took and over which he will have to answer to justice” the minister replied.
He made the comments to reporters to defend the President. Although Zúñiga has provided no evidence, he would be given a fair hearing in the court to detail what transpired.
