Who is Zúñiga, the general who attempted a coup in Bolivia?

“Our homeland has once again reduced the stalking of internal and external enemies who seek division, destabilization and hatred among Bolivians, to take over natural resources for the benefit of small interests and power groups that respond to caudillismo,” he said, according to Bolivian media. hours.

Next Wednesday Zúñiga and those accompanying him They entered the presidential palace, in front of Plaza Murillo, in the center of La Paz. Once the coup was suppressed, the general was arrested and forcibly placed in a police vehicle. Before being taken to the police cells, he stated to the media present that everything had been orchestrated by Luis Arce, who asked him to “prepare something” to “increase his unpopularity”. According to their version, the riot took place between last Sunday and Monday.

The commander of the Bolivian army, Juan José Zúñiga, lost his position on Tuesday after a series of threats against former President Evo Morales.

Zuñiga is a senior military officer and general commander in Bolivia opposes Evo Morales' candidacy in 2025. In television statements this week, the soldier had said Morales “can no longer be president of this country.”

In an interview with Bolivian media, Zúñiga was asked about former President Morales' statements about his claims.

“I am an honorary soldier willing to sacrifice my life for the defense and unity of the country. Our homeland has once again reduced the threat of internal and external enemies who seek division, destabilization and hatred among Bolivians, to take over natural resources for the benefit of small interests and power groups that respond to caudillismo.