In the wake of Donald Trump’s dramatic military action in Venezuela, the landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty. As citizens grapple with the political upheaval marked by Nicolás Maduro’s capture, conflicting narratives emerge from inside the country and its expatriate communities abroad. While some celebrate the potential for change, many fear for their safety and the continued humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation.
The Aftermath of Bombardment
On 3 January, the early morning tranquillity in Caracas was shattered by the sounds of military bombardment ordered by the United States. Sader Guerra vividly recalls the moment his daughter reached out to him in panic, exclaiming, “The Americans are bombarding us, Dad, we are under attack.” Despite the chaos, Guerra initially mistook the aircraft for Venezuelan military planes. It was only after witnessing the devastation around him and a video showing Maduro in handcuffs that the reality of the situation began to sink in.
The days following the bombardment were marked by what residents described as a state of “tense calm.” Maria Ovalle Baró, a marketing professional in Caracas, expressed the pervasive fear that gripped the population, saying, “Not knowing what will happen, how the Venezuelan government will act, and how the US government will proceed” left many anxious and uncertain. Police checkpoints proliferated, while whispers of roadblocks set up by armed pro-government groups added to the atmosphere of mistrust and apprehension.
Daily Life and Protests
As the initial shock began to ebb, daily life in Caracas gradually resumed, with about 70 per cent of businesses reopening after the attacks. Long queues formed outside supermarkets and pharmacies as residents scrambled to stock up on essential supplies. However, the streets also became a stage for protests, as hundreds of Venezuelans rallied for Maduro’s release. Demonstrators, many affiliated with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), voiced their demands, with signs proclaiming “Freedom for Maduro” and “We want you back among us.”
Nahum Fernández, PSUV’s vice president for mobilisation, addressed the crowd, asserting, “Unity is not up for debate… Anyone conspiring against unity is conspiring against Venezuela.” This sentiment contrasts starkly with the views of Venezuelan expatriates living abroad, who often frame Maduro’s removal as both necessary and overdue. José Antonio Martin, an ornithologist residing in Colombia, expressed his elation at the news, saying, “I jumped for joy and cried… Every Venezuelan person inside and outside the country has lost something or somebody there.”
A Divided Perspective
The situation in Venezuela highlights a deep schism between those within the country and those who have fled. Many Venezuelans live in fear of government retribution, leading to a culture of silence. “People are scared to talk,” Martin explained, detailing how fear of surveillance prevents open communication even among family members. The ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbates these concerns, with the UN estimating that 7.9 million Venezuelans—over a quarter of the population—require urgent assistance.
Rosita Baró, a retired translator living on Margarita Island, expressed her dismay at the violence that has unfolded. “I felt very worried about my daughter [in Caracas] and the people who were suffering in the city,” she shared. Baró believes that there is a profound misunderstanding in the West about the realities faced by Venezuelans, stating, “Beyond political affiliation, we all love this country… a unity and a sense of patriotism have emerged” in response to the chaos.
Complex Realities
Rafael Rezende, a researcher at Brazil’s State University of Rio de Janeiro, underscores the complexity of the Venezuelan situation. He notes that while many believe non-democratic regimes survive solely through force, this is not entirely accurate. “Any regime needs some level of popular support,” he explained, highlighting that Chavismo, the political ideology associated with Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez, still retains loyalty among certain segments of the population due to social policies and state employment.
Despite these divisions, opposition to US military intervention resonates across various demographics. The UN has warned that the recent escalation has added another layer of instability in an already volatile environment. For many Venezuelans, the prevailing sentiment is one of uncertainty, with Ovalle Baró remarking that people continue their lives “not out of confidence, but necessity.”
Why it Matters
The situation in Venezuela serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political power and the profound impact of international actions on local populations. As the nation grapples with the repercussions of military intervention and a humanitarian crisis, the need for dialogue and diplomacy becomes ever more urgent. The hope that future developments will prioritise peaceful solutions rather than force reflects a shared aspiration among Venezuelans, both at home and abroad, for a stable and just resolution to their plight.
