Guinea's junta leader Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president following a controversial election marked by an opposition boycott. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves to drive down domestic prices, raising questions about international energy politics and governance in both nations.

Guinea's Presidential Election
Mamady Doumbouya, who led a coup in September 2021 to overthrow former president Alpha Condé, has been elected president with 86.72% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. The election, held over the weekend, saw a turnout of 80.95%. However, the main opposition leaders were barred from participating, leading to a boycott from various opposition groups. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution criticized the election as a "charade," claiming that a significant portion of the population chose not to participate. Doumbouya's victory comes despite his previous pledge to return Guinea to civilian rule by the end of 2024, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

U.S. Control Over Venezuelan Oil
In a separate development, President Trump has claimed that the U.S. will maintain control over Venezuela's oil reserves for an extended period. During an interview, he stated that Venezuela is cooperating with the U.S. and that Washington would oversee the country’s oil production and sales. This announcement follows the seizure of two tankers linked to Venezuela, with U.S. officials asserting that they will manage all future sales of Venezuelan crude. Trump emphasized that the U.S. aims to lower domestic oil prices to approximately $50 per barrel by utilizing Venezuelan oil, a move that could significantly impact global oil markets.

Plans for Energy Relations
Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged the strained relations with the U.S. but expressed openness to energy partnerships that would benefit both nations. Trump’s administration has indicated that any profits from Venezuelan oil sales will be used to purchase U.S. products, further entrenching economic ties. However, skepticism remains regarding the viability of revitalizing Venezuela’s oil industry, which has suffered from years of corruption and underinvestment. U.S. oil companies are reportedly hesitant to invest without substantial guarantees from the administration.

Wrap-up
Both Guinea and Venezuela are navigating complex political landscapes, with leadership and governance issues at the forefront. Doumbouya's election amid an opposition boycott raises alarms about the state of democracy in Guinea, while Trump's aggressive strategy regarding Venezuelan oil reflects broader geopolitical interests in energy control. The implications of these developments could resonate beyond their borders, influencing international relations and energy markets.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team