A military coup attempt is underway in Bolivia. Hundreds of soldiers and armored vehicles took to the streets of La Paz, surrounding the government palace and using tear gas on protesters.
AILSA CHANG, HOST:
A military coup attempt is underway in the South American country of Bolivia.
(Sound of siren)
CHANG: Armored vehicles have flooded the streets of the capital La Paz, surrounding the government palace and repelling protesters with tear gas. We are now joined latest by NPR’s Carrie Kahn. Hi, Carrie.
CARRIE KAHN, ONLINE: Hello.
CHANG: Okay, I know this is a very fast-moving story. What do we know at this point?
KAHN: For the past several hours, the army has occupied the streets around the government palace in La Paz. That’s what we heard. The head of the armed forces spoke briefly – it was a very chaotic situation – seen right in front of the palace and rambled about defending democracy, saving the future of Bolivia’s children. He said all political prisoners would be released. And then, at one point, an armored car began crashing into the front door of the palace. What a drama.
The head of the army and the president, Luis Arce, had a tense confrontation that was later broadcast live on TV, and Arce told the commander that he was the leader of the armed forces and would withdraw entire army at once. Arce then swore in a new general of the army and vehemently condemned the actions of those he considered bad soldiers. Here are some of those things.
(AUDIO OF ARCHIVED RECORDINGS)
PRESIDENT LUIS ARCE: (Speaking in a language other than English).
KAHN: The only thing they’re doing right now, Arce says, is tarnishing Bolivia’s democratic image to the world and causing chaos and unrest in the country at a time when we all need to work together. together to move our country forward.
CHANG: And Carrie, can you update us on the general situation recently in Bolivia? Like, are there any signs of a coup or the kind of military action that we see today – could that happen?
KAHN: There is a lot of unrest in the country. There have been many protests against the deteriorating economic situation. There is a serious shortage of dollars in the country. Bolivia was once one of the fastest growing economies in South America. And as the country’s profitable gas reserves dwindle, it faces multiple crises.
There is also a major rift at the top of the ruling party. Arce, the current president, and the leftist former president, Evo Morales, have been vying for the leadership of the party, and that comes ahead of upcoming elections next year. But it looks like this coup attempt could end as quickly as it happened. It appeared that military vehicles and troops were leaving the chaotic scene in downtown La Paz.
CHANG: Oh. That’s NPR’s Carrie Kahn. Thank you so much, Carrie.
KAHN: You’re welcome.
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