José Wilson Sánchez Explained

José Wilson Sánchez
Office:Commanding General of the Bolivian Army
President:Luis Arce
Term Start:26 June 2024
Predecessor:Juan José Zúñiga
Rank:General

José Wilson Sánchez is a Bolivian military officer who currently serves as the army chief and the commanding general (Spanish; Castilian: General de Ejército) of the Bolivian Army since the failed coup attempt of 26 June 2024.[1] [2]

2024 coup attempt

See main article: 2024 Bolivian coup d'état attempt.

On 26 June 2024, General Juan José Zúñiga, the commander of the Bolivian Army, attempted a coup d'état of President Luis Arce, by sending troops in armoured vehicles to seize the Plaza Murillo in La Paz, the country's administrative capital, and storm the Casa Grande del Pueblo, the presidential palace.[3]

During the coup attempt, Arce appointed new heads of the Bolivian Army, Navy, and Air Force while stating that the troops that rose up against him were "staining the uniform". Arce appointed Sánchez as the new army chief and the commanding general. In his first act, Sánchez ordered all troops taking part in the coup to stand down and return to their barracks.[4] Troops quickly evacuated the plaza following the order.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 26 June 2024 . Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis . 27 June 2024 . The Seattle Times . en-US.
  2. Web site: Bolivian president thanks people after facing down failed coup attempt . 27 June 2024 . Al Jazeera . en.
  3. Web site: 26 June 2024 . Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis . 27 June 2024 . AP News . en.
  4. Web site: Live updates: Troops ordered to return to barracks following attempted coup in Bolivia . 26 June 2024 . AP News . en . 26 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240626215046/https://apnews.com/live/bolivia-attempted-coup-updates . live .