Venezuela: Guaidó calls for fresh nationwide protests March 4-5 /update 9

Event

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó has called for fresh anti-government protests across Venezuela during the Carnival holiday period on Monday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 5, as he returns to the country following a tour of Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador. Guaidó reportedly began traveling back to Venezuela from Ecuador on Sunday, March 3, after meeting with Latin American heads of state over recent days to consolidate support for ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and forming a transitional government. He has encouraged supporters to stage anti-government demonstrations across the country beginning at 11:00 (local time) on Monday.

Additional opposition-led protests are to be expected across Venezuela over the coming days and weeks as the political crisis continues. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Associated clashes between security forces and opposition protesters are likely.

Context

The ongoing crisis was spurred by Maduro's inauguration to a second term as president on January 10 following last year's contested election, prompting the National Assembly to declare a national emergency. At least 50 foreign governments, including the US, Canada, and Brazil, among others, have since recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim head of state. Guaidó has reportedly coordinated several deliveries of humanitarian aid from neighboring states which have been blocked by the Maduro regime.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, and adhere to all instructions issued by their home governments.