Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly called on the United Nations to intervene in the escalating crisis between the United States and Venezuela. This marks a shift from months of a more cautious diplomatic approach, particularly concerning the White House. Sheinbaum has also offered Mexico as a potential location for negotiations between the two countries.
Mexico Takes a More Active Role
The move follows a recent escalation by the U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday ordered a “total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers” entering and leaving Venezuela. While Sheinbaum has refrained from commenting on the Venezuelan government or the actions of Nicolás Maduro, her unusually direct statements position Mexico as a new voice in the regional response to the conflict, as Trump continues to raise the possibility of military action.
Sheinbaum stated that Mexico is prepared to facilitate dialogue, stating, “We can be a meeting point if the parties consider it. And if not, we will seek mediators to avoid any conflict in the region.” However, sources close to the presidency emphasize that either the U.S. or Venezuela must request mediation for the offer to be effective.
Balancing Act and Regional Concerns
Mexico has consistently maintained a position of “no foreign interference and respect for the sovereignty of each country” throughout the tensions. Last month, Sheinbaum announced an agreement with the White House regarding the alleged narcolanchas attacked by the Trump administration since September, resulting in over 80 deaths. Mexico’s Navy will now intercept these vessels in international waters near its coasts, a measure intended to prevent attacks from spreading into Mexican territory.
The escalating military actions by the U.S. against Venezuela have also stirred diplomatic activity across Latin America. At a recent summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union in Santa Marta, Colombia, the final document designated the Caribbean waters as a “zone of peace,” deliberately avoiding any mention of the U.S. and its attacks on alleged “narcolanchas.” Presidents Gustavo Petro of Colombia and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil were key proponents of establishing a “maritime security zone” in the Caribbean, and Mexico signed the document, sending its Foreign Minister, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, to the summit.
Sheinbaum has also responded cautiously to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent opponent of Maduro, reiterating Mexico’s stance on “the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples.” She has also accused Carina Machado of “calling for foreign intervention” due to her alignment with the Trump administration’s actions against the Maduro government.
Mexico has stated it “rejects the criminalization of the Venezuelan opposition” while simultaneously “urging the defense of Venezuela’s sovereignty.” This position shifted recently when Sheinbaum, alongside Colombian President Gustavo Petro, announced the sending of a diplomatic representation to Maduro’s inauguration following his contested presidential victory.
The call for UN intervention comes after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, announced his withdrawal from Venezuela after being declared persona non grata by the Venezuelan Parliament. Turk stated that all efforts to continue operating in the country had failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Mexico’s more assertive stance?
Mexico’s more active role was prompted by the recent escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, specifically President Trump’s order for a “total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers.”
Has Mexico previously been involved in mediating the Venezuela crisis?
Yes, Mexico hosted negotiations between the Venezuelan government and the opposition in 2021, with Norway serving as the mediator.
What is Mexico’s current position on the Venezuelan government?
President Sheinbaum has not offered any valuation of the Venezuelan government or the actions of Nicolás Maduro, but has emphasized the importance of respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and self-determination.
As the situation continues to evolve, what role might other regional actors play in de-escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela?
