President Luis Arce of Bolivia alleges a plot involving both active and retired military officers linked to the events of June 26, called a coup.
These individuals reportedly played roles in the 2019 events, which also have been described as a coup.
Their goal, according to Arce, is to undermine democracy and seize control of Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves.
However, these allegations are contentious. Both, General Zúñiga and the Argentine secret service claim Arce staged the whole event.
Governments have been known to orchestrate crises to influence public opinion and consolidate power.
Until resolving these doubts, observers must view Arce’s assertions cautiously as potential attempts to divert attention.
Bolivia holds the world’s largest lithium reserves, a critical resource for batteries and technology.
Controversy Surrounds Bolivia’s Lithium and Alleged Coup
Control over these reserves is of considerable economic and strategic importance, making the stakes high.
On June 26 2024, a military faction led by Commander Juan José Zúñiga unexpectedly seized the capital’s central square and forcibly entered the presidential palace.
So far, authorities have detained over 70 individuals, with 23 others in preventive detention as investigations continue.
Arce has dismissed claims of a “self-coup” as tactics to demobilize the Bolivian people.
These claims suggest efforts to discourage public engagement, though Arce maintains that the people will not be deceived and will continue to defend democracy.
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