Following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela on Jan. 3, 2026, we will discuss the consequences of this intervention and what it means for the country and its people.
Led by Latin America journalist and Venezuela expert Edwin Koopman three Venezuelan voices share their concerns, insights and analyses about the current crisis: political scientist Sasha Ojeda Mendoza, writer and programmer Rachel Rumai Diaz, and art historian and socio-cultural worker Fran C. Bracho.
President Trump's actions, which violate international law, are divisive around the world. Political leaders range from reluctant criticism to vehement condemnation, while others express support for the intervention. Opinions also vary among citizens: some cheer the ousting of an alleged narco-terrorist dictator, others take to the streets en masse to protest American imperialism. And what about Venezuelans abroad celebrating? Between geopolitical squabbles over oil, slogans like Hands off Venezuela and Free Venezuela, and discussions about the legitimacy of Maduro and his regime, one group remains structurally invisible: the Venezuelan people themselves. Their voices are not heard, and often actively suppressed, both inside and outside Venezuela.
The illustrator of the image is: Diego Chuecos.
Speakers
Rachel Rumai Diaz
is a writer, spoken word artist and programmer. She is also founder of the literary platform for interactional feminism Zus 'n Zo. In 2020, she was named one of the 101 new cultural talents from the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking Belgium by the NRC Handelsblad. Through her work Rachel seeks to connect art and activism, both on stage and behind the scenes she is committed to creating awareness and making more space for unheard voices. Because of her Afro-Latin American and Caribbean background, she has a broad vision of society and is particularly interested in projects around heritage, identity, intersectional feminism and transcultural art.
Sasha Ojeda Mendoza
is a Venezuelan political scientist specializing in public administration, political leadership and international relations. Because of her background and involvement in the Venezuelan community, she is driven to bring attention to the Venezuelan story. Sasha currently works as a policy maker in arts and culture and project leader Night Culture for the City of Amsterdam. In this she works both behind and in front of the scenes to protect and stimulate night culture in the city.
Fran C. Bracho
is an art historian and socio-cultural worker, active within diasporic networks in Brussels. She works from intersectional perspectives on representation, power and exclusion. In addition to her work, she works as community builder active within various grassroots initiatives.
Moderator
Edwin Koopman
is a journalist, political analyst, writer and lecturer on Latin American politics and current events, including armed conflicts, the drug war, migration, human rights, peacebuilding and environmental issues. His focus is on political developments in Venezuela, Cuba Mexico and the Andean countries. He writes for Dutch, Belgian and British media (print and radio). Permanent contributor for VPRO Bureau Buitenland, Trouw and Clingendael Spectator. Author of journalistic books on the revolutions in Cuba and Venezuela.
