Nigeria mute as SA, Namibia join AU to condemn US actions in Venezuela
Several African countries and the African Union (AU) have condemned the United States’ military actions in Venezuela, including the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro, warning that the developments raise serious concerns about international law, sovereignty, and foreign interference.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Iván Gil, said they had engaged in extensive diplomatic discussions with African leaders, receiving messages of solidarity and firm opposition to foreign intervention.
According to Gil, Namibia, Burkina Faso, and Liberia expressed solidarity with Venezuela, with Liberia’s foreign minister confirming that the country would demand action and condemnation of the attacks at the global body.
The Venezuelan government also said it held talks with the foreign ministers of Chad, Angola, Niger, and The Gambia, who reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and rejected any form of foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
In addition, South Africa publicly condemned the situation and called for urgent multilateral engagement through the UN framework.
In a statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to urgently intervene.
“South Africa calls on the UN Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation,” the department said.
The condemnation follows reports of US-backed military operations in Venezuela on January 3, which Caracas described as an attack on its sovereignty and state institutions.
The African Union also issued a strong communiqué condemning the US military strikes and the reported abduction of President Maduro, saying it was following developments in Venezuela with “grave concern.”
The AU said the actions raise serious questions about respect for international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
“The reported abduction of President Maduro and the military actions against state institutions raise serious concerns about respect for international law and the sovereignty of nations,” the AU said.
The continental body reaffirmed its commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including non-interference, self-determination, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The AU stressed that Venezuela’s internal challenges can only be addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves, warning against actions that could escalate tensions and destabilise the region.
Call for restraint and dialogue
The African Union and the concerned African states called on all parties to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect for international law, urging dialogue rather than military action.
The AU also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its commitment to peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations.
