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

José Wilson Sánchez
General de Ejército of Bolivia
Assumed office
26 June 2024
PresidentLuis Arce
Preceded byJuan José Zúñiga
Military service
AllegianceBolivia Bolivia
Branch/service Bolivian Army
RankGeneral

2024 coup attempt

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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]

References

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  1. ^ "Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis". The Seattle Times. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Bolivian president thanks people after facing down failed coup attempt". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis". AP News. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Live updates: Troops ordered to return to barracks following attempted coup in Bolivia". AP News. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.