Bolivian President Warns of Irregular Military Movements in Capital, Raising Coup Fears

Bolivian President Luis Arce has raised alarms over what he describes as "irregular" military mobilizations in the capital, La Paz. He called for the respect of democracy in a message posted on social media platform X. This comes amid heightened tensions following the 2019 coup d'état, which Arce claims was orchestrated by the United States and local right-wing factions with the involvement of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Former President Evo Morales has echoed Arce's concerns, labeling the military movements as an imminent coup. Morales has called for an emergency meeting among the joint chiefs of staff of the Army and urged social movements to defend democracy. Reports from Bolivian television have shown tanks and heavily armed soldiers stationed outside government buildings, including the government palace in Plaza Murillo. Morales has also accused military general Juan Jose Zuniga of plotting a coup and announced a national mobilization of his supporters to counter the perceived threat.