The United States government has announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
This announcement comes on the same day that Maduro was sworn in for his third consecutive six-year term, an event marred by widespread condemnation from the international community and domestic opposition leaders.
The U.S. has also extended rewards for other key figures in Maduro’s administration, including up to $15 million for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino and additional rewards for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The move aligns with ongoing international efforts to hold the Venezuelan government accountable for alleged crimes, including narcotics trafficking and corruption.
In a coordinated response, the UK has imposed sanctions on 15 Venezuelan officials, including judges and military personnel, who are accused of undermining democracy and committing human rights violations. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Maduro’s regime as “fraudulent,” echoing sentiments expressed by other nations.
The European Union has also taken action, extending “restrictive measures” against Venezuela due to the government’s failure to restore democratic governance. Another 15 officials have been sanctioned by the EU, reinforcing the international community’s stance against Maduro’s administration.
Canadian officials joined the fray, with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemning Maduro’s actions as “shameless” and declaring that Canada will not tolerate the erosion of democracy or the repression of citizens.
Maduro, for his part, has consistently rejected the allegations put forth by Western nations, labeling them as politically motivated. The U.S. initially charged him and other senior officials with “narco-terrorism” back in 2020, accusing them of flooding the U.S. with cocaine to undermine public health.
In a tightly controlled inauguration ceremony, Maduro took an oath of office, proclaiming that his new term would herald a “period of peace, prosperity, and equality.” However, the election results from July, which declared Maduro the victor, have been widely discredited both domestically and internationally, with many countries, including Brazil and Colombia, refusing to recognize the outcome.
The ceremony itself was heavily monitored, with most local media barred from attendance and foreign journalists denied entry into the country. Maduro’s administration remains increasingly isolated, with only a handful of allies such as Iran, China, and Russia standing by his side.
In a further twist, the Maduro government has issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the exiled opposition candidate whom many countries recognize as the legitimate president-elect. González, who fled to Spain in September, is currently on a tour of the Americas seeking international support.
As the political situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the release of all individuals detained arbitrarily since the elections. The unfolding crisis highlights the deepening rift between Maduro’s government and the international community, setting the stage for ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
