Venezuela has been in a state of crisis for much of the last decade, but tensions came to a head last month when the leader of the country’s National Assembly declared himself interim president. This leader, Juan Guaidó, declared himself interim president following the reelection and inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro was first elected in 2013 after the death of former President Hugo Chavez. Maduro was Chavez’s chosen successor but has been surrounded by accusations of corruption and election fraud for the length of his presidency.

Since 2013, Venezuela has faced various economic and humanitarian issues which have severely damaged the country’s reputation in the region. Additionally, many citizens have suffered greatly.

In addition to economic crises that have resulted in food shortages and mass poverty, violence has become a regular occurrence between the Maduro-controlled military and oppositional citizen groups. Regular protests have drawn worldwide attention as Maduro faces off against opponents both within and outside of the government.

Maduro was reelected for a six-year term May of 2018, but his election faced serious backlash and allegations of fraud were rampant. His inauguration in January sparked Guaidó’s declaration.

Within the last few weeks, Guaidó has received the support of over 40 countries, including the United States and many surrounding Latin American nations.

Some nations, such as Russia and China, have continued to back Maduro and have spoken in support of the legitimacy of his presidency.

Earlier this week, Maduro came under increased fire as he used the military to block humanitarian relief efforts requested by Guaidó. The military blocked a major highway into Venezuela as a way of preventing the arrival of supplies. Guaidó had not disclosed plans for distribution or use of the supplies.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted against Maduro blocking the aid.

“The Venezuelan people desperately need humanitarian aid. The U.S. & other countries are trying to help, but #Venezuela’s military under Maduro’s orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers. The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE,” Pompeo said on Twitter.

Throughout the continued conflicts Maduro has maintained his claim to the presidency and has denied all accusations brought against him by oppositional forces.

Tensions are likely to continue to increase as more countries around the world make official endorsements of either Maduro or Guaidó.

“Jay Talk”
Student Quotes from Around Campus

“It’s a very challenging situation. I’d be scared as Venezuelan citizen.”
~ Anonymous

“I did not know about the political crisis in Venezuela but I am familiar with the issues in other Latin American countries such as Argentina, where the United States became involved and made it worse. So, I think sometimes it doesn’t to want to try and help another country if you have good intentions, but often it causes worse issues and we need to focus on our own problems. When it comes to leaders like Guaidó declaring themselves as President, that could become very dangerous depending on who does it. It is necessary to have a leader, but I think the people should have a say, and not a corrupt say, in who is the leader.”
~ Anonymous

“If the same thing happened in the US there would be a second civil war.”
~ Anonymous

“The opposition must rise up against Maduro to achieve stability no matter the cost.”
~ Anonymous