Fears of coup in Bolivia as armed forces take over central square

5 days ago
Bolivia

The Bolivian armed forces have mobilised in the centre of the nation's capital La Paz, raising fears of a potential rebellion in the country.

The background: The troops have taken over the town square, Plaza Murillo, with eyewitnesses saying an armed vehicle smashed into the entrance of the Presidential Palace.

The soldiers are expressing their anger at the country's political leadership, which has driven the populace to the verge of poverty with its policies.

Political uncertainty and financial instability have reigned in the country for years, leaving people in a highly unstable economic position.

The mobilisation of the army has been condemned by the country's president Luis Arce, while former leader Evo Morales accused one of the top generals of attempting to organise a coup.

The key quote: "The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers. Surely, things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer. Stop destroying, stop impoverishing our country, stop humiliating our army." — General Juan

.

What happens next: The Bolivian president called for the citizens to take to the streets to defend the nation from an "attack against democracy", with his comments being echoed by current and former government members and leaders from other Latin American nations.

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