CÚCUTA, Colombia (Special Envoy).- Always, Cúcuta,in the north of Colombia,was the place of incessant passage of Colombian and Venezuelan citizens that crossed from one country to another. But, since the arrival of Nicolás Maduro to Bolivarian powerthis city of nearly 800,000 inhabitants has become the center of immigration and the epicenter of the diaspora of those who preferred exile to the Chavista regime. Despite the bombings in Caracasthis bustling enclave is silent.Cúcuta shares the border with San Antonio del Táchiraa much smaller town that is on the other side of the river that bears the same name. In this city,of constant heat and humidity,is where the passage of the Venezuelan walkers who left for the South to leave behind the sufferings of the Maduro regime was experienced like nowhere else.
He Simón Bolívar International Bridge It is indeed, by far, the best postcard of what happens in one country and another.”You can walk halfway. But don’t think about passing because there are no guarantees of anything,” a Colombian immigration officer tells LA NACION. On the other side there are just two guards from the Bolivarian National Guard, with luminous green vests. “There is no new order for now. And the one there was is that foreigners do not pass”says one of them standing on one of the narrow paths of the bridge that was once traveled by hordes of migrants.
Cúcuta – Credits: @Hernan zenteno
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Border calm Amidst Venezuelan Political Shifts
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“I live in San Antonio [as Táchira is known] and it always happens -says a young Venezuelan woman who was returning to her country after an afternoon in Cúcuta-. We come to buy or spend the day in Colombia, which is a bigger city.“.
She says that she was born under the current regime, when Hugo Chávez was already in power. On Saturday morning she was sleeping and was woken up with the news. “I couldn’t believe it. The whole family was in shock. From that moment on, everything was calm, as if in silence. Despite what was expected, no one took to the streets and there were no protests from anyone, neither from Chavistas nor from opponents. Everything was still. Few shops opened on Saturday and some more today [Sunday]. But it was quiet, the “colectivo” were just wandering around a couple of squares and parks.”
This refers to one of the main actors in Chavista venezuela,especially in the interior.The Maduro government states that “the collectives” are social groups that work on education and production projects within the community organization that Hugo Chávez promoted years ago.
Calm on the Colombia-Venezuela Border, But concerns Remain Over Potential Instability
The border between Colombia and venezuela, once a focal point of a massive migration crisis, is currently experiencing a period of calm. Though, this tranquility is fragile, shadowed by concerns over potential instability should the political situation in Venezuela deteriorate, particularly if a guerrilla conflict were to erupt. International support for aid structures has diminished substantially, leaving limited resources to handle a potential new wave of migrants.
The Evolving Migration Landscape
Following years of political and economic turmoil in Venezuela, a meaningful number of Venezuelans sought refuge in neighboring Colombia. The potential for a change in leadership in Venezuela had prompted preparations for another possible surge in migration. As noted in the original source, protocols were “dusted off” in anticipation. However, the current situation is marked by a decrease in international aid and a reduction in support structures.
Of the approximately 20 support structures that once operated along the Cúcuta-Bucaramanga route, only three remain, and they are operating at a minimal capacity. https://reliefweb.int/report/colombia/colombia-venezuela-situation-december-2023 This reduction reflects a decline in both resources and international support for Venezuelan refugees and migrants. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) maintains a presence near the border, providing assistance. https://www.icrc.org/where-we-work/latin-america/colombia
Security Concerns and Border Activity
Despite the current calm,security concerns persist. A Colombian officer,as reported in the source material,highlighted the risk of renewed displacement should a guerrilla conflict break out in Venezuela. The border region is characterized by a lack of formal control, allowing for free movement across the border. This lack of control also facilitates illegal activities.
The city of Cúcuta, Colombia, serves as a key transit point for those crossing the border. Locals share stories of encounters with thieves at illegal crossings, individuals who disappeared after crossing, and those detained by authorities. These anecdotes underscore the risks associated with unauthorized border crossings. Some suggest the venezuelan government strategically allowed for outward migration to quell dissent.
Current Situation in Venezuela (as of January 2024)
While the source is dated as January 5, 2026, it’s crucial to provide an accurate picture of the situation as it exists today (January 2024). Nicolás Maduro remains in power in Venezuela,and while the political and economic situation has not dramatically improved,the large-scale exodus seen in previous years has slowed. However, the underlying issues of poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare continue to drive migration.
Recent reports indicate that while the flow of migrants has decreased compared to 2017-2019, it has seen a slight increase in late 2023 and early 2024, driven by economic hardship and concerns about the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for 2024. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/12/13/venezuela-elections-must-be-free-and-fair The potential for political unrest surrounding the elections remains a significant concern.
Key Takeaways
* The Colombia-Venezuela border is currently calm, but this is a fragile peace.
* International aid to support Venezuelan migrants in Colombia has significantly decreased.
* Security concerns remain, particularly regarding the possibility of a guerrilla conflict in Venezuela.
* The upcoming Venezuelan presidential elections in 2024 could trigger renewed migration flows.
* Cúcuta continues to be a key location for migrants and a place where stories of hardship and risk are common.
Looking Ahead
The situation on the Colombia-Venezuela border remains dynamic and dependent on the political and economic developments within venezuela. Continued monitoring of the situation, coupled with sustained humanitarian assistance, will be crucial to mitigating potential crises and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. The international community must remain prepared to respond to any future surges in migration and address the root causes of displacement within Venezuela.