With US backing, Venezuela’s opposition leader, Juan Guaido declares self interim leader

CARACAS, Venezuela – Leader of the opposition in Venezuela, Juan Guaido has declared himself as the Interim Leader of the country. He made the declaration during mass protest on Wednesday, following endorsement by Vice President of the United States, Mr. Mike Pence.

U.S declared that President Nicolas Maduro has lost legimacy for allegedly rigging his way to power. The U.S made the declaration in the heat of renewed violence in Venezuela which has led to several loss of lives

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Meanwhile, President Maduro has given U.S diplomats 72 hours to leave the country but the US said the “former president” no longer had the authority to order them out.

Mr Maduro took office in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez. He was sworn in for a second term this month after elections last May that were marred by an opposition boycott and widespread claims of vote-rigging.