Bolivian authorities have detained at least ten members of the military who were linked to an attempted coup against the democratically elected government, according to Bolivian Interior Minister Carlos del Castillo del Carpio as reported by El Deber. He confirmed that approximately ten officers connected to the conspiracy to topple the government were taken into custody, underscoring the seriousness with which the administration is treating the incident and its potential implications for national stability.
The same official also indicated that the security forces acted decisively to disrupt the plot before it could gain further traction. These arrests reflect a broader effort by the government to restore and safeguard constitutional order, particularly in light of the concerns voiced by multiple branches of government and civil society about the integrity of the democratic process and the risks posed by any attempt to undermine it.
Earlier, Bolivia’s Minister of Justice Ivan Lima Magne announced that General Juan José Zúñiga, who led the failed coup attempt, may face up to 20 years in prison on charges related to crimes against democracy. The authorities have described the episode as an assault on the democratic framework and have signaled that accountability will follow through the appropriate judicial channels, reflecting Bolivia’s commitment to the rule of law and civilian oversight of the military.
On June 26, the coup attempt unfolded in Bolivia as rebels briefly contested the capital and the official command structure. General Zúñiga refused removal from his post as army commander and called for the restoration of democracy alongside the release of political prisoners. In response, President Luis Arce moved to replace the military leadership from the besieged government palace and urged supporters to stand up in defense of democratic governance. Within hours, control of the capital shifted as the royalist-backed movement retreated from central La Paz, and Zúñiga was detained. The clash left at least nine people injured amid firefights and disruptions, highlighting the volatility of protests against a sitting government and the fragile balance between security forces and civilian authority in Bolivia.
In the wake of the crisis, Bolivian officials emphasized the necessity of reaffirming constitutional processes and maintaining public trust in elected leadership. The government has stressed that the events did not represent the will of the entire armed forces or the broader Bolivian population, and has reiterated its commitment to dialogue, reform, and the peaceful resolution of political disputes. International observers have urged restraint and the protection of human rights as part of the stabilization process, while local communities continue to assess the impact of the unrest on daily life, commerce, and regional security dynamics. The episode also prompted renewed discussion about the independence of the judiciary and the role of civil institutions in monitoring and countering any attempts to subvert democracy, a topic that remains central to Bolivia’s political discourse.
There were earlier statements from Bolivian officials about Bolivia’s interest in engaging with global economic blocs, including a possible path toward BRICS membership. The government has framed this regional and international engagement as part of efforts to diversify Bolivia’s economic partnerships, attract investment, and bolster development initiatives within the framework of a stable, democratically governed state. Analysts note that alliances and international cooperation can play a constructive role in bolstering national resilience during periods of political upheaval while remaining aligned with constitutional order and the rule of law. The context of the coup attempt thus intersects with broader debates about Bolivia’s foreign policy orientation and strategic economic priorities in the Americas and beyond.