Venezuela has entered a period of political transition following the ousting of former president Nicolás Maduro on 3 January 2026. The US and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, with the two sides promising to make an effort to promote stability, support economic recovery and advanced political reconciliation.

However, Venezuelans inside the country are still protesting the return of Nicolás Maduro.

The BBC’s Ione Wells reports from inside Venezuela, speaking to recently freed opposition politicians about the country’s uncertain transition and relations with the US.