Latin American leaders condemn coup attempt in Bolivia

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Latin American leaders expressed their support for Bolivian President Luis Arce and the country's democracy after an armored vehicle rammed through the entrance of Bolivia's government palace in an attempted military coup on Wednesday.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the move and expressed his solidarity with Arce.

"We condemn any form of coup d'état in Bolivia and reaffirm our commitment to the people and democracy in the brother country," Lula wrote on X.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also condemned the military uprising.

“Total rejection of the military coup in Bolivia. I invite all the Bolivian people to democratic resistance. Latin America must unite in favor of democracy,” he said.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez “repudiated” the uprising of some army units.

“My unconditional support for President Luis Arce and I call for the firm defense of democracy,” he said.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro, in her capacity as president pro tempore of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), called an urgent meeting with the leaders of the countries of the regional organization.

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric also conveyed his support for the Arce government.

“We strongly condemn the unacceptable action of force by a sector of that country's Army,” he said.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel regretted in a post on his X account the "attack on democracy" and extended "all the solidarity of the Cuban Government and people" to Arce.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also denounced the attempted "coup d'état" in Bolivia.

"Forces that have betrayed their oath of loyalty to the state have taken the presidential palace in La Paz," he said.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s newly elected president, also offered her support.

“The uprising of some units of the Bolivian Armed Forces is an attack against democracy. We strongly condemn these events. Our unconditional support for President Luis Arce and his people,” Sheinbaum, who will take office on Oct. 1, wrote on X.

Troops withdrew from the government headquarters after Arce swore in new military leaders. Bolivia's newly appointed military chief ordered military units to return to their bases.