Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the "irregular mobilisation" of some army units in La Paz and former leader Evo Morales accused a top general of plotting a coup.
Heavily armed soldiers and armoured vehicles were seen gathering in the central square, Plaza Murillo, while a Reuters witness saw an armoured vehicle pushing into the presidential palace, which sits on the square, and soldiers rushing in.
Soldiers have appeared outside the Bolivian presidential palace in Plaza Murillo in La Paz. (AP PHOTO)
"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," General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.
Zuniga addressed reporters in the square prior to the assault on the national palace.
"Stop destroying, stop impoverishing our country, stop humiliating our army," he said in full uniform, flanked by soldiers, insisting the action being taken was supported by the public.
Denunciamos movilizaciones irregulares de algunas unidades del Ejército Boliviano. La democracia debe respetarse.— Luis Alberto Arce Catacora (Lucho Arce) (@LuchoXBolivia) June 26, 2024
Morales, who has publicly split with Arce although both belong to the same socialist movement, said his supporters would mobilise in support of democracy.
He accused Zuniga of seeking to stage a coup and announced a general work stoppage including a call to block roadways.
"We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate people," Morales said.
