Venezuela has followed a path all too familiar to Africa: one that includes colonial domination, coups d’état, and pressure from foreign powers.
The discovery of oil reserves in Venezuela triggered interference from the United States – a pattern well known to African nations, which for centuries served as a resource base for colonial powers.
Hugo Chávez’s presidency, during which oil revenues were channelled into social programmes and support for allies, provoked a harsh response from Washington. Chávez even accused the US of attempting to remove him – the ousting of leaders unfavourable to the West has been a common experience across Africa as well.
Sanctions imposed on Venezuela during Nicolás Maduro’s presidency, combined with falling oil prices, led to hyperinflation – a blow felt most severely by ordinary citizens. Again, this mirrors the challenges faced by many African countries.
