Morocco has become the first African country to join an international declaration condemning the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, further isolating Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The declaration, led by the United States and the European Union, was signed in Santo Domingo on August 16 and demanded an immediate end to the repression in Venezuela.
It also calls for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democratic processes.
The signatories, including Morocco, voiced deep concern over reports of arbitrary detentions and the violent suppression of protests following the disputed presidential elections on August 2, 2024.
Morocco’s stance reflects its commitment to democratic principles, a position it has maintained since 2019 when it became the first African nation to officially recognize Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that “the country’s support for the Venezuelan opposition remains firm, aligning Morocco with Western democracies against authoritarian regimes.”
The joint statement, endorsed by 23 countries including the United States, Canada, and several European and Latin American nations, calls for the immediate release of all political detainees and urges the Venezuelan government to allow the return of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The signatories also demand that Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) publish the full and original electoral results to ensure transparency and restore public trust.
The international community has grown increasingly vocal in condemning Maduro’s government.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is grappling with ongoing protests demanding President Maduro to step down.
The demonstrations erupted after a recent election in which Maduro secured another term, an election widely criticized by international monitors as “neither free nor fair” due to the incumbent’s control over institutions and the systematic suppression of political opposition.