The United States has announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, coinciding with his inauguration for a third six-year term on January 10, 2025. The reward, an increase from previous offers, accompanies additional bounties for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, worth $15 million each.
The inauguration has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with the UK, European Union, Canada, and others imposing sanctions on top Venezuelan officials.
- UK Sanctions: The UK sanctioned 15 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of undermining democracy, violating the rule of law, and committing human rights abuses. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Maduro’s regime as “fraudulent.”
- EU Measures: The European Union extended its restrictive measures against Venezuela and sanctioned an additional 15 officials, citing the lack of progress toward restoring democracy.
- Canada’s Stance: Canada imposed new sanctions, with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemning Maduro’s government for repressing citizens and eroding democracy.
Maduro’s government has dismissed accusations from Western countries, attributing Venezuela’s economic collapse to US-led sanctions, which he deems “illegitimate and imperial.” Critics, however, blame the crisis on corruption and economic mismanagement under Maduro’s leadership.
The US charges against Maduro, first issued in 2020, include accusations of “narco-terrorism” and using drug trafficking as a weapon to harm Americans. Maduro has consistently denied the allegations.
Maduro’s July 28 election victory has been widely rejected by the international community, including Brazil and Colombia. Many nations, including the US, recognize exiled opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect.
González, who fled Venezuela in September, has been living in Spain but has recently toured the Americas to rally support. The Maduro government has issued an arrest warrant for him, offering a $100,000 reward for his capture.
Maduro’s inauguration was marked by strict control, with limited media access and foreign journalists barred from entering Venezuela. Among international allies, only the Cuban and Nicaraguan presidents attended the ceremony, underscoring Maduro’s growing isolation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the release of all individuals “arbitrarily detained” since the contested election. Meanwhile, Maduro vowed that his third term would bring “peace, prosperity, equality, and the new democracy.”
However, with escalating sanctions, international criticism, and increased US rewards, Maduro’s government faces mounting pressure on the global stage.