The triumph of democracy is observed annually in Venezuela on11-13 April. It stands as one of the most significant and cherished dates in the history of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
This historic occasion commemorates the triumph of democracy, an event that occurred when the Venezuelan people marched out in their thousands and millions to reverse the US sponsored coup against President Hugo Chavez. The Venezuelan nation looked on in horror as, with guns blazing, the fascist coupists assaulted, terrorised and held captive public officials and political leaders, including also President Hugo Chavez himself. When the dust had settled, hundreds of people were dead, over a thousand wounded and property worth millions upon millions of dollars damage had been incurred in and around the capital city-Caracas. This date marks as a profound reminder of the resilience, wisdom, and collective will that restored Venezuela’s lost dignity.
Fuelled by external influences, the coup was staged on 11th April 2002 and lasted for forty-eight (48) hours, after it was thwarted by the mass of the Venezuelan people, Hugo Chavez was reinstated. Since then, the journey to this milestone has been arduous, marked by imperialist hostile policies, sanctions, sabotage, undeclared economic war, and as well as the treacherous behaviours of domestic traitors.
The triumph of democracy in Venezuela, 24years ago is more than a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of the Venezuelan people’s commitment to resist imperialism and defend their hard-won homeland dignity, under the Bolivarian project. It symbolizes the unity of purpose that binds the oil-rich Latin American nation together, transcending ethnic, regional, and political differences. The occasion calls to action for international resistance against imperialism and fascist terrorism in whatever form or manifestations and anywhere the evil gives expression. It calls for citizens to cherish and protect the values of peace, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, human dignity, freedom and sovereignty.
Today we at the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) join with the rest of the global community to celebrate 24th anniversary of the triumph of democracy in Venezuela. In doing so, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. This is a naturally-acclaimed demand, which could lead to peace and progress, not only in Venezuela, but also to the entire global community. Because what happened to President Nicolas Maduro is an act of state-sponsored terrorism, which must be condemned and resisted by peaceful and freedom-loving people everywhere in the world.
As we observe this very significant moment in the solidarity movement, the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Venezuelans, both inside Venezuela and in the Diaspora. The 24 years since the triumph of democracy in Venezuela in April 2002, was not without challenges. The Venezuelan people were tested at various points, suffered collective punishments initiated and unleashed by the government of the United States of America, but on every occasion, despite the severity of what confronted them today, their resilience and patriotic zeal to rise above those challenges and to forge ahead, prevailed. It is a clear demonstration of the Venezuelan people to work assiduously and to sustain collective efforts to defend sovereignty and homeland dignity.
This year’s anniversary of the failed coup in Venezuela is commemorated also as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order that the Venezuelan democracy may live forever. It is also a time to recommit the Venezuelan people to not allow in any manner imperialism to thrive in that country.
On this occasion, the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their relentless struggle in defence of homeland sovereignty, the independence of Venezuela and the sovereign right of Venezuela to carve its own path, free from any external influence.
God bless Venezuela!
Signed: Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
President of the Governing Council (GoC),
International Executive Director (IED)
The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity
HCIF-PFS
