In a move that highlights the strong influence of the Cuban regime on Venezuela, Raúl Castro, the dictatorial figurehead of Cuba, dispatched his grandson and personal security detail to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's president. The event was broadcasted on television, showing Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (nicknamed "El Cangrejo"), who is Castro's grandson and head of his personal security, performing duties as a bodyguard. Rodríguez Castro is also the son of the late Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Callejas.
The inauguration ceremony for Maduro, which commenced on January 10, 2025, took place at the Venezuelan Legislative Palace, where he was sworn in for a third term amid street protests accusing him of electoral fraud. Attendance included a scant number of heads of state, among them Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. Raúl Castro has cultivated a close relationship with Maduro, viewing him as a strategic ally during Cuba's economic struggles and under sanctions.
For years, the Venezuelan opposition has claimed that Cuban military personnel have a presence in Caracas, making decisions even in the procurement of arms. Many Venezuelans, particularly those in exile, continue to challenge the legitimacy of Maduro's government, accusing it of electoral manipulation and suppression of dissent.
In 2022, a report by the United Nations (UN) implicated Cuban military forces in human rights violations in Venezuela dating back to 2006, when secret agreements were made between the regimes of Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. The report, prepared by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, was presented in Geneva and disclosed that Cuba trained Venezuela's intelligence services.
"The Cubans trained, advised, and participated in intelligence and counterintelligence activities with the DGCIM," the investigation confirmed, taking into account information from former officials of that repressive agency. Cuban agents also "played a significant role in developing interrogation techniques and surveillance methods within the DGCIM, as well as in the structures and objectives of various directorates, including Communications and Operations. It was common for DGCIM agents to travel to Cuba for training."
Impact of Cuban Influence on Venezuela
How does Cuba influence Venezuela's political landscape?
Cuba exerts influence in Venezuela by providing military and intelligence support, training Venezuelan intelligence agencies, and participating in decision-making processes, especially in areas like armament procurement.
What role did Raúl Castro's grandson play at Maduro's inauguration?
Raúl Castro's grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, served as a bodyguard during Nicolás Maduro's inauguration, highlighting the close ties and influence between the Cuban and Venezuelan regimes.
Why do Venezuelans question Nicolás Maduro's presidency?
Many Venezuelans question Maduro's presidency due to accusations of electoral fraud and repressive actions against opposition, which they believe undermine democratic processes and governance.