José Wilson Sánchez

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Wilson and the second or maternal family name is Sánchez.

José Wilson Sánchez
Commanding General of the Bolivian Army
Incumbent
Assumed office 26 June 2024
President	Luis Arce
Preceded by	Juan José Zúñiga
Military service
Allegiance	Bolivia
Branch/service	Bolivian Army
Rank	General

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 coup attempt of 26 June 2024.[1][2]

2024 coup attempt

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]

References

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. "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.