Key Takeaways
- The United States has been condemned by several countries for its involvement in the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- Protesters in Ottawa, Canada, gathered in front of the U.S. embassy to support the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination and to call on the U.S. to back away from the situation.
- The Canadian government has imposed sanctions on Maduro’s regime and has called for a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process.
- The U.S. has announced plans to exploit Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and sell oil to other countries, which has raised concerns about external interference and the threat to regional stability.
- Six countries, including Mexico and Spain, have issued a statement condemning the U.S.’s actions and calling for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Introduction to the Conflict
The situation in Venezuela has taken a dramatic turn, with the United States playing a significant role in the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro. As a result, protests have erupted in front of the U.S. embassy in Ottawa, Canada, with demonstrators calling on the Canadian government to support the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination. The protesters, including Emmanuel Galleguillos-Cote, argue that the U.S. has a history of treating Latin America as its "own backyard" and exploiting its resources. They chanted in support of Maduro, who they believe should be supported by Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney, and against U.S. President Donald Trump, who they see as causing instability in the region.
Protesters’ Concerns
Galleguillos-Cote expressed his concerns about the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, stating that the country’s resources belong to its people, and it is up to them to govern themselves without external interference. He emphasized that the U.S. thinks that these resources belong to them, but they do not, and it is the people’s right to self-determination that should be respected. The protesters’ concerns are echoed by many around the world, who see the U.S. actions as a threat to regional stability and a violation of international law.
Counter-Protesters’ Perspectives
However, not everyone shares the same views as the protesters. Diana Rizo, a counter-protester who fled to Canada from Venezuela in 2014, expressed her confusion and disappointment at the support for Maduro, whom she believes has caused harm to her country and its people. She stated that she has lived without hope of returning to her country for many years, but now sees a glimmer of hope with the U.S. intervention. Claudia Carrera, who has lived in Quebec City for 25 years, also expressed her support for the U.S. intervention, stating that Venezuelans like her had been waiting for a miracle and that the U.S. presence could bring about positive change.
International Reactions
The international community has reacted strongly to the U.S. actions in Venezuela. Six countries, including Mexico and Spain, issued a statement condemning the U.S.’s actions, stating that they set a dangerous precedent for peace and regional security. The statement emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the situation, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has also reacted to the situation, imposing sanctions on Maduro’s regime and calling for a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process.
U.S. Plans for Venezuela
Despite the international condemnation, the U.S. has announced plans to exploit Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and sell oil to other countries. Speaking to reporters, Trump revealed his plans to "fix" the country’s oil infrastructure and sell "large amounts" of oil to other countries. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio seemed to backtrack on Sunday, suggesting that the United States would not take a day-to-day role in governing Venezuela, other than enforcing an existing "oil quarantine." The U.S. plans have raised concerns about external interference and the threat to regional stability, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Canada’s Role in the Conflict
Canada has played a significant role in the conflict, with Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking with Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, on Sunday. The two leaders underscored the importance of seizing the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity in Venezuela. Carney’s office also released a statement condemning Maduro’s "brutally oppressive, criminal, and illegitimate regime." However, Carney also emphasized the need for a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process, and called on all parties to respect international law. Canada’s role in the conflict is likely to continue to evolve in the coming days and weeks, and it remains to be seen how the country will balance its support for the Venezuelan people with its relations with the U.S. and other international partners.