On November 12th, Bolivian soldiers withdrew from the streets of La Paz after an apparent coup attempt by General Williams Kaliman, the head of the Bolivian Armed Forces. The soldiers had been deployed to the streets earlier in the day, sparking fears of a military takeover following weeks of political unrest in the country.
The withdrawal of the soldiers came after widespread condemnation from both domestic and international actors. The Organization of American States (OAS) expressed its concern over the situation and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The United States also issued a statement urging all parties to respect the rule of law and democratic principles.
General Kaliman was subsequently arrested by Bolivian authorities, who accused him of attempting to overthrow the government of interim President Jeanine Añez. The general had previously called for the resignation of Añez and other officials, claiming that they were responsible for the violence and unrest that had gripped the country in the wake of former President Evo Morales’ resignation.
Morales, who had been in power for nearly 14 years, stepped down from the presidency earlier this month following accusations of electoral fraud in the country’s October elections. His resignation sparked widespread protests and violence, leading to the deaths of at least 23 people and the resignation of several government officials.
The situation in Bolivia remains tense, with ongoing protests and clashes between supporters and opponents of Morales. The country is now facing a power vacuum, with no clear path forward for resolving the political crisis.
In the midst of this uncertainty, it is crucial that all parties in Bolivia respect the rule of law and democratic principles. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and support efforts to find a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis.
As Bolivians continue to grapple with the aftermath of Morales’ resignation and the political turmoil that has followed, it is important that they remain united in their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and working towards a peaceful and inclusive future for their country.