US Governor Matte Meyer’s Kenya Connection: How Africa Shaped His Political Vision
By REUBEN MUSONIK, POLITICAL EDITOR
DOVER, DELAWARE — In a historic victory earlier this week, Matte Meyer was officially elected as the Governor of UIS State, securing a mandate to lead the state for the next four years. With his charismatic leadership and progressive agenda, the newly-elected governor has captured the attention of both local and national political circles. However, one facet of his life that has emerged as particularly intriguing is his deep and personal connection to Nairobi, Kenya — a bond that has influenced his worldview and political approach in ways few could have predicted. As reported in The Daily Nation today, Meyer’s Kenyan connection is not merely a footnote in his biography, but a defining feature of his identity and governance philosophy.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born in 1982 in Wilmington, Delaware, Matte Meyer was raised in a family steeped in community activism. His father, a local high school teacher and environmental advocate, and his mother, a healthcare worker and volunteer, instilled in him a deep sense of social responsibility from a young age. Growing up, Meyer was active in various youth-led movements, often organizing charity events, working on voter registration drives, and participating in environmental campaigns. These formative experiences set the stage for his eventual career in public service.
After completing his undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Delaware, Meyer continued his education at Georgetown University, where he earned a master’s degree in public policy. It was during these years that his political ideology began to crystallize. Meyer was drawn to progressive causes and social justice, aligning himself with policies aimed at reducing inequality and expanding access to education and healthcare.
In 2014, after spending a few years working as a legislative aide, Meyer made his first foray into electoral politics. He successfully ran for a seat in the Delaware State House, where he quickly became known for his thoughtful policy proposals and willingness to collaborate across party lines. His rise through the ranks was swift, and by 2020, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Delaware. His tenure was marked by a series of successful initiatives, including reforms to the state’s healthcare system and initiatives to promote renewable energy.
However, it was Meyer’s overseas experiences — particularly in Kenya — that would come to define his leadership style and influence his gubernatorial run.
[products category=”E-Books” limit=”4″]
The Kenyan Connection
Meyer’s journey to Kenya began in 2011, when he took a sabbatical to volunteer with a nonprofit organization focused on community development in East Africa. The organization, based in Nairobi, worked with local communities to improve access to clean water, build schools, and provide healthcare in rural areas.
During his time there, Meyer was immersed in the daily challenges facing many Kenyan families, particularly in the slums surrounding Nairobi. The experience profoundly impacted him, and he spent several months working with local activists, government officials, and rural communities to help design sustainable development projects.
“I was struck by the resilience and resourcefulness of the Kenyan people. The challenges they face, especially in terms of poverty and lack of basic services, were not dissimilar to the struggles we face here in the U.S.,” Meyer recalled in a recent interview. “But what impressed me the most was how people in Kenya have found ways to adapt and solve problems on their own, often in the face of limited resources.”
Meyer’s time in Kenya became a turning point. He realized that his understanding of politics and governance needed to be broadened beyond the American context. The innovative solutions he saw in Nairobi — like grassroots efforts to address healthcare access or entrepreneurial ventures to tackle waste management — shaped his thinking on policy. Meyer became an advocate for looking beyond conventional methods in solving entrenched social issues, and for fostering greater partnerships between governments and local communities.
Following his return to the U.S., Meyer continued to work closely with the nonprofit sector, spearheading initiatives that connected American and Kenyan organizations to collaborate on global development issues. He was instrumental in organizing the first “East Africa and North America Leaders’ Forum,” which brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders from both regions to discuss sustainable development and innovation.
Kenyan Influence on Meyer’s Political Philosophy
Meyer’s time in Kenya also helped him develop a nuanced perspective on governance. While Delaware, and by extension UIS State, is a far cry from Nairobi in terms of economic development and infrastructure, Meyer’s experiences in Kenya instilled in him a belief in the power of local leadership. He became a passionate advocate for decentralizing power and empowering local communities to take charge of their own development.
One of Meyer’s signature proposals as governor-elect is his plan to overhaul UIS State’s approach to public service delivery. Drawing on lessons learned from Kenya, Meyer plans to implement a “bottom-up” governance model that encourages greater local participation in decision-making processes. His administration promises to invest in community-driven projects and make state resources more accessible to underserved communities.
“Just like in Nairobi, we need to trust our communities and local leaders to come up with solutions that are tailored to their unique needs,” Meyer said. “A one-size-fits-all approach will never work. In Kenya, I saw how community-based solutions can be more effective than top-down mandates. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to UIS State.”
Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy
Beyond policy, Meyer has used his platform to build stronger diplomatic ties between Kenya and the U.S. During his time as Lieutenant Governor, he played a key role in hosting Kenyan officials and dignitaries in Delaware, fostering greater cultural exchange and collaboration on trade and business opportunities. This included efforts to create partnerships between Delaware businesses and Kenyan startups, particularly in the fields of technology and agriculture.
Meyer has often spoken about the lessons of entrepreneurship and innovation that he took from Kenya, especially in Nairobi’s burgeoning tech scene, often referred to as “Silicon Savannah.” With Kenya’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem and innovations like mobile money, which revolutionized financial services in sub-Saharan Africa, Meyer believes there are valuable lessons to be learned in the U.S. about leapfrogging traditional infrastructure to develop cutting-edge solutions. In Nairobi, he also learned Kiswahili and created Ecosandals, a recycled footwear company that sold environmentally friendly footwear to customers in 17 countries on five continents. Matt subsequently spent 12 months in Mosul, Iraq, as a diplomat embedded with the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
“My time in Nairobi taught me that innovation doesn’t always have to come from the biggest cities or wealthiest nations,” Meyer said. “Sometimes, the most transformative ideas emerge from places with fewer resources, and that’s something I want to bring back to Delaware. We have so much to learn from Kenya’s ability to innovate in challenging circumstances.”
The Path to the Governor’s Office
As the campaign for governor heated up, Meyer’s Kenyan connection became a focal point of both admiration and scrutiny. Supporters applauded his international perspective and praised his ability to think globally, while critics questioned whether his experiences abroad could translate into effective local governance. Some doubted whether his focus on international collaboration might detract from his ability to address pressing issues within UIS State, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
However, Meyer was undeterred. He framed his Kenyan experience not as an escape from domestic challenges but as an expansion of his capacity to think creatively about governance. He argued that the future of political leadership requires leaders who can approach problems with a global lens while remaining deeply connected to the needs of their local communities.
“Kenya taught me the importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. These are qualities we need in Delaware too,” Meyer said in his victory speech. “The solutions we need in Delaware don’t have to look like the ones we’ve always had. We can look beyond our borders for inspiration, and we can take the best ideas from everywhere to make our state stronger.”
Looking Forward
As Governor-elect, Meyer’s focus now shifts to putting his ideas into practice. His agenda includes tackling climate change, advancing healthcare reform, and improving educational outcomes — all issues where his Kenyan experience has informed his policy framework. In his eyes, the success of his administration will hinge not just on economic growth, but on creating an inclusive, resilient state that draws inspiration from both local innovation and global collaboration.
“I’m proud of my roots here in Delaware, but I’m also proud of the lessons I’ve learned from Nairobi,” Meyer said. “The people of this state want solutions, not political dogma. We’ve got to be bold, we’ve got to be inclusive, and we’ve got to be innovative. That’s how we’ll move forward, together.”
As he prepares to take office, Matte Meyer is already being watched as a rising star in American politics — a politician with a truly global perspective, ready to blend international insights with local leadership to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing his state. Whether his Kenyan connection will prove to be the key to his success remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that Matte Meyer is anything but your typical American politician.
[products category=”E-Books” limit=”4″]
About the Author:
Reuben Musonik is a political journalist with a focus on politics and global diplomacy. You can follow his work on Twitter at @TheDispatch2.
After Silencing Gen Z Protests, Ruto Tours Germany After China
By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER
Giving the clearest indication that he has put the recent Gen Z-led protests behind him, President William Ruto has resumed his international flights honouring various invitations to foreign counties. In a week marked by intense diplomatic activities, President Ruto of Kenya has embarked on a strategic international journey, visiting China and planning to visit Germany next week. These visits come at a critical juncture in his presidency, following a period of significant domestic unrest driven by the youth-led Gen Z protests. These developments underscore the delicate balance Ruto must strike between maintaining his international standing and addressing pressing domestic issues, which some observers believe he is not taking seriously enough.
Economic Diplomacy in China
President Ruto’s visit to China was far more than a routine diplomatic engagement; it was a crucial mission with significant economic implications for Kenya. With the country still reeling from the impact of widespread protests, the visit was seen as an opportunity for Ruto to secure much-needed financial support for stalled infrastructure projects. The timing of this visit, soon after the protests had died out, suggests that Ruto felt a window of opportunity had opened for him to engage in high-stakes international diplomacy without appearing disconnected from domestic concerns or risking to lose is [pesidency, which was secured with a deal with Raila Odinga, the outgoing OFM arty Leader.
During his visit, Ruto participated in the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, where he sought to strengthen bilateral ties and secure investment in Kenya’s infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors. The potential agreements discussed included extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and completing the Nairobi Northern Bypass, among other infrastructure projects. These initiatives align with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to create job opportunities for the country’s youth and women—a key concern in light of the recent protests.
Ruto’s agenda also included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders discussed the future of Kenya-China relations, particularly within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Kenya’s participation in BRI has already resulted in transformative projects such as the SGR and the Nairobi Expressway, and the visit is expected to pave the way for further cooperation, including the establishment of a pharmaceutical park and the negotiation of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Strengthening European Ties in Germany
Following his engagements in China, President Ruto’s visit to Germany marks another significant step in his foreign policy strategy. Scheduled to attend the Citizens’ Festival in Berlin, Ruto will be the first non-European leader to participate in this event, which celebrates volunteerism and civil society engagement. His presence as a special guest highlights Kenya’s growing international profile and the strategic importance Ruto places on strengthening ties with European nations.
Germany, a leader in technology, renewable energy, and development aid, offers Kenya valuable opportunities for collaboration. During his visit, Ruto is expected to advocate for partnerships that could lead to technological transfers and sustainable development projects, which are crucial for Kenya’s long-term economic growth. This visit, much like his trip to China, is part of a broader strategy to diversify Kenya’s international partnerships and reduce its reliance on any single foreign power.
The timing of these international engagements, coming on the heels of the Gen Z protests, is significant. The protests, driven by economic discontent and a lack of opportunities for the youth, forced Ruto to temporarily focus on domestic issues. His ability to resume international travel suggests that the protests have either subsided or been managed sufficiently to allow him to shift focus to foreign affairs. However, critics argue that these trips may be perceived as prioritising international prestige over addressing immediate domestic challenges.
The juxtaposition of Ruto’s international engagements with the recent domestic unrest raises important questions about the balance between maintaining national stability and enhancing international prestige. While some critics argue that Ruto’s frequent travels during times of domestic crisis reflect a misplaced focus on global image, his supporters contend that these trips are essential for securing the economic and technological partnerships necessary for Kenya’s long-term stability and growth.
From a strategic perspective, Ruto’s international engagements can be seen as a calculated effort to bolster his administration’s image both at home and abroad. The potential economic benefits from these trips, if realised, could serve as a counter-narrative to domestic critics, demonstrating that his foreign policy efforts are directly linked to addressing the root causes of discontent within Kenya.
President Ruto’s journey from China to Germany, set against the backdrop of domestic unrest, encapsulates the complex challenges of modern African leadership. On one hand, there is the urgent need to address the grievances of a young and increasingly vocal population. On the other, there is the strategic imperative to engage internationally, securing partnerships that can drive economic development and technological advancement.
As Ruto navigates these challenges, his ability to translate international successes into tangible domestic benefits will be key to his political survival. Whether these diplomatic efforts will provide a lasting solution to Kenya’s domestic issues or merely offer a temporary reprieve remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that Ruto’s international engagements will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of his presidency and the country at large.
Earth Sees Warmest-Ever July, 14th Consecutive Record-Breaking Month
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13 Xinhua and The Dispatch Digial Reporter — Last month was Earth’s warmest July on record, extending a streak of record-high monthly global temperatures to 14 consecutive months, according to a new report released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In the monthly report released on Monday, scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information noted that the average global surface temperature in July was 1.21 degrees Celsius above the 20th-century average of 15.8 degrees Celsius. This made it the warmest July in NOAA’s 175-year global record.
Temperatures were above average across much of the global land surface, except for Alaska, southern South America, eastern Russia, Australia, and western Antarctica, the report stated. Africa, Asia, and Europe experienced their warmest Julys on record, while North America saw its second-warmest July.
The report also found that the global ocean temperature in July was the second warmest on record, breaking a streak of 15 consecutive months of record-high ocean temperatures.
Additionally, the report highlighted that the year-to-date global surface temperature was 1.28 degrees Celsius above the 20th-century average, making it the warmest year-to-date global surface temperature on record.
According to NOAA’s Global Annual Temperature Rankings Outlook, there is a 77 percent chance that 2024 will rank as the warmest year on record, with nearly a 100 percent chance it will rank in the top five.
People enjoy their leisure time at the beach of Brighton, Britain, July 19, 2024. (Xinhua)
Bangladesh’s Parliament Dissolved Amid Turmoil: Prime Minister Flees
By BBC and THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
Dhaka, August 7, 2024 – Bangladesh is in the throes of political upheaval after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amidst escalating protests led by students. The dissolution of parliament, a key demand of the demonstrators, has set the stage for the formation of an interim government. The nation awaits the next steps as the military chief engages in discussions with political leaders and protest organizers.
Violent clashes across the country have left over 400 people dead, with more than 100 fatalities reported on Monday alone, marking the deadliest day since the protests began. Police stations were torched, leading the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) to declare a strike, blaming authorities for the violence.
The unrest, which started in early July with university students demanding the abolition of civil service job quotas, quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The protests culminated in the storming of the prime minister’s residence shortly after Hasina fled to India, ending her nearly 15-year rule.
In response to the crisis, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim administration to quell the violence. However, student leaders have rejected the idea of a military-led government, instead proposing Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus as the interim chief adviser. Yunus, agreeing to the role, is returning to Dhaka from Paris where he was undergoing a medical procedure.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a key opposition leader, was released from years of house arrest. Her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had boycotted previous elections, demanding neutral caretaker administration—a possibility now after Hasina’s departure. Other political prisoners, including activist Ahmad Bin Quasem, were also released, signaling potential shifts in the political landscape.
India, closely monitoring the situation due to its shared border and ties with Bangladesh, confirmed Hasina’s arrival in Delhi and has increased border security. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern and emphasized the need for law and order to be restored.
Mobilize!’ Opposition Tells Venezuelans as Maduro Stays Put
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called Wednesday for supporters to “mobilize” after President Nicolas Maduro vowed to hold on to power following a widely disputed election.
Machado’s message comes amid deep uncertainty in the South American country, after Maduro was declared the winner in Sunday’s election but with electoral authorities failing to disclose detailed results to back up the claim.
Sixteen people have been killed in protests that erupted after the election, according to the opposition, which claims its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the rightful victor.
The opposition has released a large set of voting data it says shows him defeating Maduro by a wide margin, as pre-election polls had suggested.
“We spent months building a robust platform that could defend the vote and unquestionably demonstrate our triumph. WE SUCCEEDED,” Machado, who was barred from running in the election, said Wednesday evening on X.
“Now it is up to ALL of us to assert the truth that we ALL know. Let’s mobilize. WE WILL SUCCEED,” she said.
Numerous nations, including Brazil and the United States, as well as the European Union, have demanded Venezuelan authorities release detailed voting data, with the White House warning Wednesday that the international community’s patience was running out.
Maduro said he was “ready to present 100 percent of the records,” as he addressed journalists outside the Supreme Court of Justice, where he filed an appeal against what he termed an “attack against the electoral process.”
But he voiced outrage at Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia, saying they “should be behind bars.”
On Monday, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Venezuelans after thousands took to the streets shouting “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!”
Machado said there had been 177 detentions and 11 “forced disappearances,” while Attorney General Tarek William Saab said more than 1,000 people had been arrested at protests, some of whom may face terrorism charges.
He also said one military officer was killed and 77 officials were injured.
Undaunted, thousands gathered again Tuesday for peaceful demonstrations of support for the opposition in several cities.
“We offered the regime to democratically accept its defeat and move forward in negotiations to ensure a peaceful transition,” Machado said on X.
“However, they have opted for the route of repression, violence and lies.”
Sunday’s elections were held in the shadow of Maduro’s warnings of a “bloodbath” if he were to lose, and amid widespread fear the vote would be rigged.
Late Wednesday, Luis Almagro, the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) regional body, said in a post on X that he would ask the International Criminal Court to indict Maduro and issue an arrest warrant for him over the post-election violence.
“Maduro promised a bloodbath… and he is doing it,” Almagro said.
Not ‘democratic’
Brian Nichols, the top US diplomat for Latin America, said the polling results released by the opposition provided “irrefutable evidence” that Maduro lost “by millions of votes.”
But an emergency meeting of the OAS bloc on Wednesday failed to adopt a resolution calling for the detailed results to be released “immediately,” with Colombia and Brazil notably abstaining.
Maduro has led the oil-rich country since 2013, presiding over a GDP drop of 80 percent that pushed more than seven million of once-wealthy Venezuela’s 30 million citizens to emigrate.
He is accused of locking up critics and harassing opponents in a climate of rising authoritarianism.
Maduro’s previous reelection, in 2018, was rejected as a sham by dozens of Latin American and other countries, including the United States and EU members.
Years of damaging US sanctions failed to dislodge the president, who enjoys loyalty from the military leadership, electoral bodies, courts and other state institutions, as well as the backing of Russia, China and Cuba.
Peru recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela’s legitimate president on Tuesday, prompting Caracas to sever diplomatic ties.
Venezuela has withdrawn diplomatic staff from eight critical Latin American countries and asked envoys from those nations to leave its territory.
That includes Argentina, whose embassy in Caracas is housing several associates of Machado as asylees.
Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-Maduro protesters took to the streets of Caracas on Wednesday to voice their support for the embattled president in response to the global criticism.
“They have said the same thing in previous years, in previous elections they always talk about ‘fraud,'” Edwin Blanco, a 30-year-old supporter of Maduro, told AFP.
Ledys Rodriguez, 65, told AFP she found the actions of the opposition “painful.”
“Who do you think is supporting them? They’re being backed by foreign countries.”
Revolution in Venezuela
Venezuelans are protesting what they’re saying is a fraudulent election allegedly wio by incumbent President Nicolas Maduro. In reaction to the widespread protests and apparent backing by neighbouring countries, the administration of Maduro demanded this Monday Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Dominican Republic and Uruguay ensure “the immediate withdrawal of their representatives in Venezuelan territory”, in response to their non-recognition of the presidential elections announced by the CNE last Sunday.
In an official statement, they state that it was decided to “withdraw all diplomatic staff from the missions” in these seven Latin American countries.
[presto_player id=1587]
Hamas Leader Killed in Israel Strike in Iran
Hamas said Wednesday its political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli strike in Iran, where he was attending the inauguration of the country’s new president, and vowed the act “will not go unanswered”.
Haniyeh’s killing came after Israel on Tuesday struck a Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut, killing a senior commander of the Iran-backed group it said was responsible for a weekend rocket attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
“Brother leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his residence in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) president,” the Palestinian militant group said in a statement.
Hamas political bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk vowed: “The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also announced the death, saying Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran was “hit” and he was killed along with a bodyguard.
“The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas-Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred,” said a statement by the Guards’ Sepah news website.
Haniyeh had travelled to Tehran to attend Tuesday’s swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Israeli army declined to comment.
Abbas condemns killing
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas condemned Haniyeh’s killing as a “cowardly act” and urged Palestinians to remain united against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring back all hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, which sparked the war in Gaza.
The attacks launched by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,400 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, which does not provide details on civilian and militant deaths.
Regional tensions have soared since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, drawing in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
Haniyeh was elected head of the Hamas political bureau in 2017 to succeed Khaled Meshaal.
He was already a well-known figure having become Palestinian prime minister in 2006 following an upset victory by Hamas in that year’s parliamentary election.
Considered a pragmatist, Haniyeh lived in exile and split his time between Turkey and Qatar.
He had travelled on diplomatic missions to Iran and Turkey during the war, meeting both the Turkish and Iranian presidents.
Haniyeh was said to maintain good relations with the heads of the various Palestinian factions, including rivals to Hamas.
He joined Hamas in 1987 when the militant group was founded amid the outbreak of the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation, which lasted until 1993.
Hamas is part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran-backed armed groups arrayed against arch-foe Israel around the Middle East.
Iran has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
It has hailed Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement.
Protests in Venezuela in Wake of Disputed Maduro Win
Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Monday at angry protesters challenging the reelection victory claimed by Maduro but disputed by the opposition and questioned by many other countries.
Thousands of people flooded the streets of several neighborhoods in the capital, chanting “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!”
Some ripped Maduro campaign posters from street posts and burned them.
At least two statues of Hugo Chavez, the late socialist revolutionary who led Venezuela for more than a decade and handpicked Maduro as his successor, were knocked down by protesters.
One person died in northwest Yaracuy state and 46 were arrested in post-election demonstrations, Alfredo Romero, head of the Foro Penal rights group that specializes in political prisoner issues, said on social media platform X. He did not say what caused the death.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) certified the reelection of Maduro, 61, to another six-year term until 2031.
Maduro dismissed international criticism and doubts about the result of Sunday’s voting, claiming Venezuela was the target of an attempted “coup d’etat” of a “fascist and counter-revolutionary” nature.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told reporters that a review of available voting records clearly showed that the next president “will be Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia,” who replaced her on the ballot after she was barred by Maduro-aligned courts.
The records showed a “mathematically irreversible” lead for Gonzalez Urrutia, she said, with 6.27 million votes to Maduro’s 2.75 million.
She called for families to turn out Tuesday for “popular assemblies” nationwide to show support for a peaceful transition of power.
“There are millions of citizens in Venezuela… who want to see that their vote counts,” she posted later on X.
Maduro’s campaign manager Jorge Rodriguez, also called on X for “large marches starting this Tuesday to celebrate the victory.”
In Caracas on Monday, AFP observed members of the national guard firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, some wearing motorbike helmets and bandanas tied over their faces. Some responded by throwing rocks.
Protests were reported even in poor areas of Caracas that had been bastions of support for Maduro. Shots were heard in some areas.
“We want freedom. We want Maduro to go. Maduro, leave!,” Marina Sugey, a 42-year-old resident of Petare, a poor area of Caracas, told AFP.
The elections were held amid widespread fears of fraud by the government and a campaign tainted by accusations of political intimidation.
The CNE said on Monday Maduro had won 51.2 percent of votes cast compared to 44.2 percent for Gonzalez Urrutia.
When the opposition cried foul, Attorney General Tarek William Saab linked Machado to an alleged cyber “attack” seeking to “adulterate” the results.
‘Another fraud’
The United Nations, United States, European Union and several Latin American countries called for a “transparent” process, while allies including China, Russia and Cuba congratulated Maduro.
Gonzalez Urrutia, a 74-year-old former diplomat, acknowledged on Monday the deep discontent with the CNE results and vowed that “we will fight for our liberty.”
Nine Latin American countries called in a joint statement for a “complete review of the results with the presence of independent electoral observers.”
The US-based Carter Center, one of few organizations that had observers in Venezuela, urged the CNE to immediately publish detailed polling station-level results.
Brazil and Colombia also urged a review of the numbers, while Chile’s president said the outcome was “hard to believe.”
Peru recalled its ambassador and Panama said it was suspending relations with Venezuela.
The Washington-based Organization of American States called an emergency meeting for Wednesday at the request of Argentina and other countries that challenged the CNE tally.
Caracas hit back, saying it was withdrawing diplomatic staff from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay.
It also suspended flights to and from Panama and the Dominican Republic.
‘Bloodbath’ warning
Independent polls had predicted Sunday’s vote would end 25 years of “Chavismo,” the populist movement founded by Chavez.
Maduro has been at the helm of the once-wealthy oil-rich country since 2013. The past decade has seen GDP drop by 80 percent, pushing more than seven million of Venezuela’s 30 million citizens to emigrate.
He is accused of locking up critics and harassing the opposition in a climate of rising authoritarianism.
In the run-up to the election, he warned of a “bloodbath” if he lost.
Economic misery
Sunday’s election was the product of a deal reached last year between the government and opposition.
That agreement led the United States to temporarily ease sanctions imposed after Maduro’s 2018 reelection, rejected as a sham by dozens of Latin American and other countries.
Sanctions were snapped back after Maduro reneged on agreed conditions.
Venezuela boasts the world’s largest oil reserves but production capacity has been severely diminished in recent years.
Most Venezuelans live on just a few dollars a month and endure biting shortages of electricity and fuel.
Economic misery in the South American nation has been a major source of migration pressure on the southern border of the United States, where immigration is a major presidential election issue.
Raila Submits Papers for African Union Commission Chair
In a significant political move, the Kenyan government has formally submitted the candidacy of ODM leader Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship. This endorsement, supported by the Kenya Kwanza Government, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s diplomatic efforts on the continent.
Raila Odinga’s presentation of candidacy was led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei and Amb George Orina of Kenya
The official submission took place this morning, led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Amb. George Orina. Witnessing the momentous occasion were members of Odinga’s campaign team, including Prof. Makau Mutua and Amb. Elkana Odembo. The documents were handed over to Amb. Raj Busgeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius and the Dean of Ambassadors in Addis Ababa.
The election for the AUC Chairmanship is scheduled for February 25, 2025, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa. This year, it is East Africa’s turn to present a candidate, and Kenya’s chances are bolstered by the fact that no Kenyan has ever held the position of Secretary General of the AU or its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The closest historical precedent is Tanzania’s Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, who once served as the OAU Secretary General.
Raila Odinga’s candidacy is built on a comprehensive platform addressing Africa’s critical challenges, encapsulated in nine key proposals:
- African Integration and Infrastructure Development
- Economic Transformation
- Enhancing Intra-African Trade
- Financial Independence
- Gender Equity and Equality
- Agricultural Transformation
- Climate Action
- Peace and Security
- A Youth Empowerment Agenda for Africa
Odinga signed the candidacy papers last Thursday but did not travel to Addis Ababa for the presentation. He is, however, expected to tour several African states as part of his campaign for the chairmanship.
DR Congo Health Minister Says Stampede Death Toll Has Risen to Nine
KINSHASA, July 28 (Xinhua) — At least nine people, including two women, have been confirmed dead in a stampede during a concert held Saturday in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba.
According to the minister, several serious injuries were also reported in the accident that occurred during musician Mike Kalambayi’s concert at the Stade des Martyrs.
On the instruction of DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, a crisis meeting has been called for following the tragedy, the DRC Interior Ministry said late Saturday.
With its 80,000 seats, the Stade de Martyrs is one of the largest stadiums in the country. Security sources said that the stadium was over capacity when the stampede occurred.
The Kinshasa municipal government announced late Saturday the launch of an investigation into the incident.
In October 2022, 11 people, including two police officers, were killed in a stampede during a concert by DRC singer Fally Ipupa at the same stadium.