Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali of provoking war with Venezuela, comparing him to Zelensky. This followed a Venezuelan patrol vessel entering contested waters, threatening ExxonMobil’s operations. Tensions escalated with U.S. warnings against further provocations. The dispute over the Essequibo region remains a focal point for Maduro’s regime, intertwining domestic politics with international implications.
Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, has accused Guyanese President Irfaan Ali of instigating a potential war between the two nations, comparing him to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Maduro’s remarks followed a Venezuelan patrol’s incursion into waters claimed by Guyana, endangering ExxonMobil’s offshore operations and prompting a U.S. response.
On state television, Maduro claimed, “The Government of Guyana has adopted a war plan against Venezuela… It is correct to call the president of Guyana the ‘Zelensky of the Caribbean’”. This accusation follows a report from Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry that denounced Ali’s statements regarding the vessel incursion.
The Foreign Ministry asserted, “Venezuela categorically repudiates the unsubstantiated statements… asserting that units of the Bolivarian Navy of Venezuela are violating… Guyana,” defending its sovereignty while emphasizing diplomacy for peace.
Tensions heightened on Saturday when Guyana reported a Venezuelan coast guard vessel encroaching on an ExxonMobil oil block, escalating a long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region, which covers more than two-thirds of Guyana. The U.S. State Department warned that further provocations may lead to consequences for Maduro’s government.
Analysts suggest that Maduro’s remarks aim to provoke a shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela amid heightened tensions. A recent analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted that Maduro is using the Essequibo dispute to solidify domestic support while testing geopolitical reactions as the Trump administration adopts a tougher stance.
The U.S. recently intensified pressure on Venezuela by suspending Chevron’s operations, causing significant financial strain on Maduro’s regime. The Center’s report noted, “Maduro’s assertiveness might be intended to demonstrate that should there be a shift in U.S. policy… he can sow regional instability that impacts the United States.”
The century-old conflict over Essequibo intensified after a controversial December referendum where Maduro claimed 98% approval for potential military action against Guyana, despite allegations of electoral manipulation. He has repeatedly declared the region non-negotiable while increasing military presence and planning to integrate Essequibo into regional elections. Guyana has called on the International Court of Justice to nullify Venezuela’s electoral maneuvering in the disputed territory.
In summary, Nicolas Maduro’s accusations against Irfaan Ali reflect escalating tensions over the Essequibo region, amid concerns of potential armed conflict and provocative diplomatic rhetoric. This situation encapsulates a complex interplay between domestic politics in Venezuela, regional territorial disputes, and international responses, particularly from the United States, which may influence the future dynamics of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
