Almost Venezuela: What is the alleged plan to end Maduro’s government?

Recently A movement known as Ya Casi Venezuela has gone viral on social mediawhich is apparently related Erik Prince, well-known mercenary and founder of Blackwaterwhich could allegedly seek to destabilize the government of Nicolás Maduro, which has been the subject of numerous accusations of electoral fraud and political repression.

What is Almost Venezuela?

Ya Casi Venezuela is an emerging movement that is seen as a possible uprising against Maduro and which has become a trend after Prince used it in a video announcing an important event for Monday, September 16.

Speculation on social media points to both internal intervention and the possible involvement of external actors in an effort to end the crisis in Venezuela.

Prince used phrases such as “game over” and “this time it will be different” in the video, sparking international interest. Adding to this is the recent revelation of a meeting between Blackwater’s founder and El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, fueling rumors of a broader intervention that could involve outside actors.

#AlmostVenezuela pic.twitter.com/tbyC9fSKSP

— Almost Venezuela (@yacasivenezuela) September 9, 2024

Who is Erik Prince?

Erik Prince, who was born on June 6, 1969 in Michigan, He became known as the founder of Blackwater in 1997, a private military company which gained notoriety during the Iraq war because it provided security services to the US government.

Prince began his military training at the prestigious United States Naval Academy, although he did not complete his studies there, opting to graduate from Hillsdale College. His time in the armed forces, particularly as a member of the Navy SEALs, was instrumental in the formation of Blackwater.

At 55 years old, His name has been linked to both large government contracts and controversies over his company’s excessive use of force. Prince comes from a wealthy family, which gave him a solid foundation to start his career in the business world.

His father, Edgar Prince, was a successful automotive entrepreneur, best known for patenting illuminated sunshades for vehicles and building a $1 billion conglomerate. After his father’s death in 1995, he took over the family company, which he later sold for $1.35 billion in 1996, allowing him to finance the creation of Blackwater.

Last Monday, Prince commented on his social media: “Stay tuned all freedom-loving Venezuelans. There will be more soon.”

What is Blackwater?

Blackwater is a security company, initially created as a training center for security forces. It soon expanded and began offering security services in conflict zones.

The company gained global prominence for its role in the Iraq war, where it protected US officials on the ground. However, the company’s reputation was tarnished after the incident in Baghdad in 2007, where Blackwater agents killed 17 civilians, leading to strong criticism and lawsuits against the company.

Blackwater, now known as Academi, remains a major player in the world of private military operations, and its involvement in international conflicts remains controversial.

What did the Maduro government say about Almost Venezuela?

During an opening ceremony of the World Congress against fascism, neo-fascism and other similar expressions, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez spoke about the Almost Venezuela movement.

“None other than Mr. Elon Musk, leader of international fascism, appeared to threaten Venezuela, to threaten President Nicolás Maduro, and along with him, a mercenary, a dog of war like Erik Prince, they have already taken off their masks,” said Rodríguez from the La Carlota Convention Center, Caracas.

“It is imperative for capitalism to develop and resolve the Venezuelan issue. That is why they showed their faces and what the Venezuelan people gave them here was a resounding lesson, a defeat, and Elon Musk, Eric Prince, and international fascism, who came with all their hatred during those days, came out with their heads down,” he added.

Speculations about the Ya Casi Venezuela movement increased after Iván Simonovis, a former political prisoner and well-known Venezuelan criminal investigator, revealed that Erik Prince had a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about a month ago.

According to Minister Diosdado Cabello, this meeting could have been the beginning of a plan to destabilize the Venezuelan government, with Bukele as Prince’s financier to carry out a covert action.