Rising Conflicts at Venezuela-Brazil Border Lead to Deaths

Venezuela refugees in Boa Vista, Brazil in August, 2018. (Agência Brasil)

Three people were killed during protests following Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s decision to close the Venezuelan-Brazilian border on February 21. Conflicts in Santa Elena, a Venezuelan town less than 10 miles away from the Brazilian state of Roraima, escalated quickly over the past few days and terrified locals: “I felt as though I was in the middle of a war,” said an anonymous source.

The tensions are a result of the growing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which reached a breaking point this past week when President Maduro elected to close both the Colombian and Brazilian borders, refusing the entry of trucks carrying food and other supplies for the Venezuelan population. “I am not a beggar,” said Maduro, addressing the public at a Hands Off Venezuela rally on February 23. “I will buy what they are offering.”

At the same rally, President Maduro accused Colombian President Iván Duque of “fascism” and compared him to Satan. Following these remarks, Venezuela also broke off diplomatic ties with Colombia.

Maduro was not as aggressive towards Brazil, but even so, the situation at the border is “tense and unreasonable,” according to Roraima Governor Antonio Denarium. Venezuelans, who often cross the Brazilian border to purchase food and other items not available in their country, have now tried to find other ways to enter Brazil and break through the barrier, including dangerous treks through the Brazilian jungle.

“We are starving,” said Gregório Rodriguez, a Venezuelan who attempted illegal entry to Brazil. Family member Wilmer Rodriguez added that they had been planning the trip to Brazil for three months and were caught off-guard by the sudden closure of the border.

The situation generated outrage and protests at both borders. By February 23, Brazilian hospitals had already received at least 11 injured Venezuelans, two of whom are in critical condition.

Following the violent confrontations with the protesters, 23 members of the Venezuelan Armed Forces deserted the army blockade and fled to either Colombia or Brazil. An anonymous lieutenant said, “I am not a deserter, but I add myself to the cause of humanitarian aid.” Another declared: “I will fight for the Venezuelan people.”

Meanwhile, Santa Elena inhabitants have no electricity or cellular reception, and while February 24 was a calm day without any protests, the people are not relieved. “This silence isn’t good,” said another anonymous source, who has considered escaping to Brazil through the mountains if the situation worsens. “There may still be guards around here, and they are armed. We are all terrified.”