Juan Guaido failed to oust the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, from power. But the young deputy who, on January 23, 2019, declared himself president, remains the steadfast ally of the Americans, the pivot of their strategy for "Restore democracy in Venezuela". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him back Monday in Bogota, where he met the opponent, on the sidelines of a regional conference on terrorism that Mr. Guaido also attended.
In addition to the United States, around fifty governments have recognized Mr. Guaido in 2019 and continue to support him. But in his country, the deputy had to face the disenchantment of his base and the divisions of his camp. He struggles to maintain his leadership.
"I want to let the Venezuelan people know that their president is a great leader who has chosen to lead his country on the right path, that of freedom", said Pompeo, whose Colombian leg was the first on a Latin American tour. He announced to "New actions" of his government to support the Venezuelan opposition, without specifying the nature of the sanctions envisaged. Mr. Pompeo condemned the "Inflicted misery" to the Venezuelan people by the Chavista government and thanked Colombia, which receives 1.6 million migrants from the neighboring country.
Surprise arrival
Guaido’s arrival in Bogota created a surprise. Put under investigation by the justice of his country within the framework of several administrative and penal investigations, the leader of the opposition is struck with a ban on leaving the territory. So it was clandestinely that he crossed the border.
Red carpet and guard of honor, Mr. Guaido was received as Head of State in Bogota. "We are honored by your presence, said Colombian President Ivan Duque (right), welcoming him on Sunday. Colombia will always be your friend. " Very criticized in his country, Mr. Duque is very active on the Venezuelan file. In February 2019, he announced that the fall of Nicolas Maduro was "A matter of hours". "We know your courage, we know that facing a dictatorship that knows no bounds is a task that goes beyond heroism", he launched on Monday to Mr. Guaido.
The Venezuelan leader has announced that he too is leaving for an international tour which should take him to London, Brussels and Davos, Switzerland, where he is to attend the World Economic Forum and where he could meet the American president, Donald Trump, and finally in Paris, where he is expected on Friday.
