From the departure of Evo Morales to the coup attempt: Bolivia at the crossroads

Since the resignation of Evo Morales in 2019, Bolivia has lived through a period of intense political and social instability. The transition of the interim Government of Jeanine Áñez, the return of the MAS with Luis Arce and the recent events involving General Juan José Zúñiga reflect a deeply divided country.

Below is an account of these events leading up to the recent “coup attempt” led by ousted Commander General Juan José Zúñiga yesterday, June 26.

Resignation of Evo Morales and interim government of Jeanine Áñez (2019-2020)

In November 2019, Evo Morales resigned from the Presidency of Bolivia after weeks of protests and accusations of electoral fraud in the October elections of that year.

The Organization of American States (OAS) published a report pointing out irregularities in the electoral process, which exacerbated the crisis. Morales’ resignation was followed by his departure from the country, first to Mexico and then to Argentina.

Jeanine Áñez assumed the interim presidency on November 12, 2019, amid a power vacuum and violent clashes in the streets.

His government was marked by a strong repression of protests by Morales’ supporters and the implementation of policies that were seen as an attempt to reverse the measures of the previous administration.

Áñez’s administration was controversial and faced criticism both domestically and internationally for human rights violations and excessive use of force.

Elections and return of the MAS (2020-2021)

In October 2020, Bolivia held new general elections, in which Luis Arce of the Movement towards Socialism (MAS), Morales’ party, won a resounding victory in the first round.

Arce assumed the Presidency on November 8, 2020, promising to restore the country’s economic and political stability. The return of the MAS to power was not without tensions. Áñez’s supporters and other opposition groups expressed their discontent, fearing a return to Morales’ policies.

However, Arce was keen to maintain a conciliatory tone and focus on economic recovery, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Political tension and social conflicts (2021-2023)

The period between 2021 and 2023 was characterized by continued political tensions and social conflicts. The Arce government faced multiple challenges, including accusations of political persecution against members of the opposition and conflicts with sectors such as the indigenous and coca-growing sectors, who sometimes felt betrayed by the MAS.

Protests and road blockades were common, with demands ranging from better working conditions to regional autonomy. Political polarization deepened, with a fragmented but persistent opposition seeking to weaken the government.

Coup attempt by General Zúñiga (2024)

Yesterday, June 26, Bolivia was shaken by an attempted coup d’état led by Commander General Juan José Zúñiga.

Zúñiga, a senior military officer with a history of criticizing the MAS government, attempted to overthrow the administration of Luis Arce, alleging corruption and mismanagement. The first hours of the coup were chaotic, with clashes between forces loyal to the government and the coup plotters in the city of La Paz.

The coup attempt was quickly condemned by the international community, including the OAS and the UN, which called for respect for the constitutional order.

The Armed Forces and the Police, for the most part, remained loyal to Arce, and the coup was put down in less than 24 hours. Zúñiga was arrested and will face charges of “seduction of troops” and “attacks against the president and other state dignitaries.”

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