argia.eus
INPRIMATU
The struggle of indigenous women clarifies Venezuela
  • Despite the fact that for the fourth day electricity, water and communications are still lacking, the political and military movements of the Alto Cura region continue to mobilize on the border with Colombia. A number of demonstrations have taken place in recent days, including on 8 March.
Ibai Trebiño @ibaitrebino 2019ko martxoaren 12a
Argazkia: Ibai Trebiño

Four days after the El Gu hydroelectric power plant stopped operating on 7 March last, 30% of the country remains unlit, according to the Bolivarian Government. Although the return of electricity has been progressive and partial in Caracas, Valencia and other major cities, especially in several regions of the west and south-west of the country, it has not yet been possible to recover electricity, drinking water and communication systems.

An example of this is the state of Apure, on the border with Colombia, which remains unlit on 11 March, for the fourth consecutive day. As a result of this crisis, there are many demonstrations that have taken place in recent days. On 9 March, for example, the Chavists organised two demonstrations against "imperialist aggression", according to the note. A group of opposition students called for a new mobilization to call for the resignation of President Maduro and to support the self-proclaimed president, Juan Guaidó. The day passed without incident.

Feminists on the street "in defense of the homeland"

Despite the difficulties, 8 March had a great symbolism in the capital, Guasdualito. Called by the PSUV, popular movements and popular militias, the indigenous women of the region mobilized in the Plaza 'Simón Bolívar'. The protesters reaffirmed their "commitment to the homeland" and called out for "the emancipation of women". At the end of the ceremony, the Sergeant of the Popular Militias Mariela Milano and the spokesman for the feminist movement Melitza Orellana took the floor. The latter highlighted the "rights conquered by women through the Bolivarian revolution" and pointed out that "the fight against the imperialist patriarchy must continue", especially "in the fight against the criminal imperialist aggression suffered by the Venezuelan people". "We tell the world. Here are the indigenous women of Venezuela willing to defend peace and our homeland in any way," Orellana said.

Increased tension on the border with Colombia

Since 23 February, all borders between Colombia and Venezuela have been closed and, above all, there have been incidents in the Tachira region in recent weeks. One of the most prominent has been the action of a Colombian paramilitary group in the fight against the Venezuelan armed forces. For this reason, the Venezuelan Army has carried out several military exercises in the border area and in the Alto Apure region during these days.