Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Overhauls Military Command
The Venezuelan military has sworn loyalty to Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president, following a significant reshuffle of top commanders. This move comes as Rodríguez navigates a complex political landscape shaped by US intervention and domestic challenges.
Military Restructuring Under US Pressure
Rodríguez announced the replacement of all senior military commanders in a social media post on Thursday, just one day after dismissing the long-serving defence minister, who had close ties to ousted leader Nicolás Maduro. The new defence minister is a former intelligence chief, marking a strategic shift in Venezuela's security apparatus.
This flurry of changes follows the US-led ousting of Maduro, an authoritarian leftwinger, in a special forces raid on 3 January. Rodríguez, who previously served as vice-president under Maduro, is now tasked with leading a country with the world's largest proven oil reserves but an economy in shambles, plagued by widespread shortages of food, medicine, and other basics.
Balancing US Demands and Domestic Loyalties
Under intense US pressure, including threats of violence, Rodríguez has enacted a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners jailed during Maduro's regime. She has also revised oil and mining regulations to align with US demands for access to Venezuela's vast natural resources.
Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that he effectively runs Venezuela now, allowing Rodríguez to remain in power only if she complies with US directives. Rodríguez faces the delicate challenge of satisfying both Trump and Venezuelans still loyal to Maduro, who was captured and taken to New York for trial on US-issued drug trafficking charges along with his wife.
The Military's Pivotal Role in Venezuela
The Venezuelan military, which has pledged allegiance to Rodríguez, is a powerful institution overseeing critical sectors. It manages oil, mining, and food distribution enterprises, as well as customs operations and key government ministries. However, this control has been marred by allegations of abuse and corruption, complicating Rodríguez's efforts to stabilise the nation.
As Venezuela moves to restore diplomatic ties with the US two months after Maduro's capture, Rodríguez's leadership will be tested in balancing international expectations with domestic realities. The military overhaul represents a key step in her strategy to consolidate power and address the country's deep-seated crises.
