Withdrawal of military personnel after changing the leadership of the armed forces

Military personnel entered Quemado Palace, the seat of government. Videos show uniformed military police using shields to block off the site and prevent other people from entering Murillo Square, where the government building is located. An armored vehicle was used to smash doors, and sound bombs were used against the demonstrators.

The former army commander requested the formation of a “new government.” In front of Quemado Palace, Juan José Zúñiga, who was sacked on Tuesday (25), told the press that he would “change ministers” and that “the country cannot continue like this.” Zuniga also said he would release all those he described as “political prisoners”, and criticized former figures in Bolivian politics, such as Evo Morales.

Luis Arce, Bolivia’s president, wrote that the movements were “irregular.” He wrote on his social networks: “We condemn the irregular mobilization carried out by some units of the Bolivian army. Democracy must be respected.”

Former President Evo Morales called for mobilization against the “coup.” He said in another message on the social media network, “We call for national mobilization to defend democracy in the face of the coup that is taking place and led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, the army commander.”

*With information from Agence France-Presse