Juan José Zúñiga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Juan José Zúñiga
General de Ejército of Bolivia
In office 1 November 2022 – 26 June 2024
President	Luis Arce
Succeeded by	José Wilson Sánchez
Military service
Allegiance	Bolivia
Branch/service	Bolivian Army
Rank	General

Juan José Zúñiga Macías is a Bolivian military officer who served as the commanding general of the Bolivian Army from November 2022 until his dismissal in June 2024 following the 2024 Bolivian coup d'état attempt.

Background

Zúñiga served as colonel of the REIM-23 Max Toledo regiment between 2012 and 2013. He was charged with the embezzlement of Bs2.7 million intended for Renta Dignidad and Juancito Pinto during his tenure, and was incarcerated for seven days.

After serving as Chief of Staff and brigadier general, Zúñiga was appointed as commanding general of the Bolivian Army through a decree by Luis Arce on 1 November 2022.

Conflict with Evo Morales

On 24 June 2024, Zúñiga announced that the Bolivian Armed Forces would arrest former President Evo Morales if he ran as a candidate in the next presidential elections in 2025. In threats made against Morales, he described the former president as a "traitor" and accused him of plotting a revolution against the current government, while stating that the Constitution of Bolivia would prevent Morales from returning to power. Following Zúñiga's proclamation, he was relieved of his post of commanding general on 25 June 2024.

Prior to this event, Zúñiga was accused by Morales of being the commander of the military organization Pachajcho, allegedly plotting to eliminate the former president as part of a "black plan" against coca production leaders and political opponents.

He was reported to be the primary leader behind the 2024 Bolivian coup d'état attempt. President Luis Arce called on Zúñiga to demobilize soldiers who had taken over the main square of La Paz. Zúñiga was detained by police soon after.

See also

In Spanish: Juan José Zúñiga para niños