Thousands of anti-government protestors flooded the streets of Caracas Wednesday —backing the opposition’s call to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The protests come as the new leader of congress, Juan Guaido, in a surprise move, took an oath swearing himself in as interim president in front of cheering crowds.

Guaido has called on the military to disavow Maduro and promised amnesty for those who help to bring a return to democracy.

Already on Wednesday - U.S. President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Guaido --releasing a statement recognizing him as the country's interim president.

Maduro's second term in office is widely condemned as illegitimate.

Many consider him a dictator.

Venezuela has been in the throes of an economic recession for over five years... that has led to over 3 million people fleeing the country.

Experts say ultimately- a change in government in Venezuela will rest on a shift in allegiance within the armed forces.

They have stood by Maduro through two violent waves of street protests and a steady dismantling of democratic institutions.