Maduro’s Regime Arms Civilians Amid Growing Loss of Control Over Paramilitary Groups
In a move that has raised eyebrows across Venezuela, the government of Nicolás Maduro has begun delivering weapons to public workers from at least 31 state-owned companies. This controversial decision, made just days before maduro’s questioned investiture, signals a desperate attempt to expand its civil army as the regime loses influence over paramilitary groups.
The weapons distribution, which took place on January 8, targeted employees of ministries, Corpoelec, and companies expropriated by the government.This act followed a similar initiative in the central-western states of Lara and Yaracuy, where small farmers were armed under the leadership of Diosdado Cabello, minister of Relations Interiors, Justice, and Peace.
According to insight Crime, this mass armament is part of a broader repressive strategy aimed at preventing social uprisings and consolidating Maduro’s political control for the next six years. The move underscores the regime’s reliance on armed civilians to maintain power in the face of growing dissent.
Maduro’s Waning Control Over Paramilitary Groups
The declaration of weapons distribution to state and community groups reveals a deeper issue: the increasing independence of paramilitary groups, once the regime’s primary tool for suppressing dissent. Many of these groups have transitioned into mercenary roles, exploiting the economic crisis that has plagued Venezuela as 2017.
As thousands of paramilitary members migrated to othre countries, those who remained were granted control over the distribution of subsidized food, domestic gas, and gasoline. Though, this authority has been accompanied by involvement in criminal activities such as extortion, robberies, kidnappings, and microtrafficking.
Groups like La Piedrita,Alexis Vive,Tres Raíces,and Oswaldo Arenas have even established their own businesses,including food cooperatives,tourist hostels,food premises,and casinos in caracas and Miranda state. These ventures, funded by the government, highlight the blurred lines between paramilitary operations and legitimate enterprises.
Hired Force in Political Acts
Despite their growing independence, paramilitary groups continue to play a visible role in political acts. Though, as a human rights defender and security expert told InSight Crime, much of the force exhibited by these groups is now hired rather than organic. this shift further underscores the regime’s diminishing control over its once-loyal paramilitary allies.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Weapons Distribution | Delivered to public workers from 31 state companies on January 8. |
| Objective | Prevent social uprisings and consolidate Maduro’s political control. |
| Paramilitary Independence | Groups increasingly operate independently,engaging in criminal activities. |
| Economic Ventures | groups have established businesses like cooperatives, hostels, and casinos. |
| Hired Force | Much of the force in political acts is now hired.|
A Regime in Crisis
The arming of civilians and the growing autonomy of paramilitary groups paint a grim picture of Maduro’s regime. As the government struggles to maintain its grip on power, its reliance on armed civilians and mercenary forces raises concerns about the future of stability in Venezuela.
For more in-depth analysis on Venezuela’s political landscape, explore InSight Crime’s latest reports.
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