Albert Ramdin takes over OAS amid tensions
02-06-25
Albert Ramdin, a seasoned diplomat from Suriname, has officially assumed the position of Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) at a time of intense geopolitical friction throughout the Americas. His appointment, supported by countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, comes against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, China’s growing influence in the region, and the international agenda of the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump.
Ramdin’s election was the result of a regional consensus that aimed to balance the diverse ideological positions across Latin America. While leaders such as Lula da Silva, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Gustavo Petro saw his candidacy as a step toward reinforcing multilateralism, the U.S. State Department maintained a more cautious stance, opting not to obstruct the vote and avoiding direct confrontation.