Maduro Accuses Guyana’s President of Provoking Conflict with Venezuela

Nicolás Maduro accuses Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali of instigating conflict, likening him to Volodymyr Zelensky. This follows a Venezuelan patrol vessel’s incursion into contested waters, raising tensions over the Essequibo region. The U.S. State Department warns of consequences for further provocations as Maduro emphasizes Venezuela’s claims to the disputed territory.

Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, accuses Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali of instigating a potential conflict, drawing a parallel to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Maduro asserts is responsible for the ongoing war in Ukraine. This assertion follows a recent Venezuelan patrol vessel incursion into waters claimed by Guyana, which jeopardizes ExxonMobil’s offshore operations, prompting a reaction from the U.S. government.

Maduro alleged on state television that Guyana is pursuing a military strategy against Venezuela, stating, “They believe that they will do well” in a possible armed conflict. He referred to Ali as the “Zelensky of the Caribbean,” insinuating that Guyana’s leadership is similarly provocative. Earlier this week, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement dismissing Ali’s claims surrounding the naval incursion as “baseless” and “blatant lies.”

Guyana reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel violated its territorial waters and drew near an ExxonMobil operation, escalating tensions amidst a longstanding dispute over the Essequibo region—a territory larger than Florida that has been contested for over a century. In response, the U.S. State Department cautioned the Maduro regime against further provocations, emphasizing potential repercussions.

The mention of Zelensky appears to be an indirect message targeting the United States. Observers suggest that Maduro’s actions could be an attempt to provoke a change in U.S. policy toward Venezuela amidst current geopolitical tensions. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggests that Maduro is attempting to leverage the Essequibo dispute strategically to garner domestic support and gauge U.S. reactions in light of the shifting U.S. approach under President Trump.

As Maduro escalates his rhetoric and military posturing concerning the Essequibo region, a significant development occurred following a December 2023 referendum through which he claimed approval to use force if necessary. His regime asserted that 98% of voters favored this move, despite allegations of electoral manipulation. Maduro has since maintained that Venezuela will not relinquish its claims over Essequibo, planning to elevate its military presence in the area and to make the territory a focal point in upcoming regional elections.

The ongoing tensions between Venezuela and Guyana, illustrated by Maduro’s accusations against President Ali, signal a precarious moment in South American geopolitics. Maduro’s comparison to Zelensky underscores Venezuela’s strategy to leverage historical disputes to reinforce its claims and escalate military readiness. The international response, particularly from the United States, remains crucial in assessing and addressing these incipient conflicts in the region.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com