By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuela has entered a new phase of political uncertainty following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026. The operation, which led to Maduro being flown to New York to face federal charges, has sent shockwaves through the South American nation and beyond.
In response to the sudden power vacuum, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved swiftly, appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president in line with constitutional procedures.
The court emphasized the need to maintain governance and national stability during what it described as an “extraordinary” situation.
Rodríguez, a longtime ally of Maduro, has assumed the role amidst growing domestic tension and international scrutiny. While the Venezuelan constitution provides for the vice president to step in when the president is unavailable or incapacitated, questions remain over how long she will hold the position and under what conditions new elections might be held.
The U.S. government has yet to provide full details on the charges against Maduro, but early statements suggest they are linked to longstanding allegations of corruption, drug trafficking, and human rights abuses.
Rodríguez, in a public address, maintained that Maduro remains the legitimate leader and condemned what she called a foreign interference in Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Her comments have fueled debates about external influence, constitutional order, and the nation’s fragile political future.
As events unfold, Venezuelans and international observers alike await clarity on the country’s next steps in a rapidly evolving crisis.
