President Arce of Bolivia announced that the military coup in the country has failed.

After President Luis Arce’s call, the military coup in Bolivia failed. People gathered in La Paz, the capital, with Bolivian flags, and the military vacated the central square. In a video from the Presidential Palace, Arce declared: “We stand firm here to confront any coup attempt and we need the organization of the Bolivian people.”

Earlier images also showed Arce confronting General Juan Jose Zoniga, the leader of the coup, in the hallway of the Presidential Palace. President Arce told this rebel general: “I am your commander and I order you to remove your troops. I will not tolerate disobedience.”

Armored vehicles of the coup plotters also stormed the Presidential Palace, and armed forces gathered in the main square of La Paz, where key government buildings are located.

Arce urged the people in his call: “We cannot allow coups to once again threaten the lives of Bolivians. Everyone must defend democracy.”