“Grandma, why are you crying?” “It hurts my soul, my child,” replied my Venezuelan-born neighbor to her concerned teenage grandson, who was trying to comfort her.
Solidarity is what Venezuelans still in their country need most right now. And the nearly 8 million who, according to data from the UN Refugee Agency, have migrated to other countries seeking protection and a better life.
A few weeks ago, we discussed in this space the importance of fostering a political culture and embracing the commitment we have as citizens to transform the fate of our countries. But in the face of situations like the electoral fraud in Venezuela, all those reflections now seem like mere illusion.
It must be acknowledged that this time, the people mobilized massively and decisively, hopeful for a change that some now believe will never come.
As a Latin proverb says, “No evil lasts a hundred years, nor does any body endure it”. Of course, change is possible, and there will always be hope that things will improve.
The history books record many cases of nations that have endured authoritarian regimes for decades with nothing changing, under the indifferent gaze of the international community.
The longest-serving non-royal ruler currently in power is Paul Biya, who has been in charge since 1975 when he began as prime minister of Cameroon. That’s over 49 years, and he has been reelected four times despite serious allegations of corruption, fraud, and crimes against humanity.
Next is Teodoro Nguema, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Since August 1979, for 44 years, and considered by much of the international community as one of the most corrupt dictators.
It must be understood that behind every international political conflict, there are economic interests of other nations that take advantage of the circumstances to strike deals and negotiations. In these, it is not necessarily the citizens and their needs that matter, but the nation’s resources.
There is no doubt that what has happened in Venezuela is also a humanitarian crisis that, if the international community does not pay attention, will have to bear the consequences and allocate resources to assist and welcome more refugees and migrants.
This is an opportunity to unite, to pressure and corner until democracy and the will of the people prevail.
Now, social media can be leveraged as one of the best strategies and one of the most powerful tools to deter, denounce, raise awareness, shape public opinion, mobilize, unite, and transform.
Today, most Venezuelans are an example of resistance, resilience, loyalty, and commitment to their nation. Of courage in demanding respect for their rights, in putting their nation back on the global public agenda to try to curb indifference and turn it into solidarity.
Today, more countries have joined the voices of outrage and concern over what has happened, and that is already an important achievement and an undeniable victory.
Image: NDN
