What You Need to Know
African nations have reacted strongly to the US military attack on Venezuela, urging restraint and adherence to international law. The UN and EU expressed concern, while the African Union emphasized the importance of sovereignty and peaceful resolution of conflicts. South Africa condemned the attack as a violation of the UN Charter.
Africa. African nations have reacted strongly to the US military attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, which resulted in the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. This incident has triggered a wave of international responses, with warnings about a serious breach of international law. While the United Nations and the European Union expressed their concerns, African positions varied from calls for restraint to outright condemnation of the actions taken.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the US military operation constitutes a “serious precedent” and violates international law. The European Union emphasized the need to respect international legitimacy, reaffirming its support for a democratic and peaceful transition in Venezuela.
The African Union called for adherence to international law, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination. It also urged dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, demanding that all parties exercise restraint.
On a national level, South Africa took a firmer stance, describing the incident as a “flagrant violation of the UN Charter.” It asserted that international law does not permit external military intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states, calling for an urgent meeting of the Security Council to support Caracas.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gilis stated that he has intensified communications with African leaders following the attack, noting messages of solidarity from countries including Namibia, Burkina Faso, and Liberia. Liberia’s Foreign Minister confirmed that as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, the country would demand clear actions and condemnation of the attacks that occurred on January 3.
Caracas also reported consultations with the foreign ministers of Chad, Angola, Niger, and Gambia, all of whom emphasized their commitment to the UN Charter and rejected any form of foreign intervention in domestic affairs.
On another note, former Kenyan Vice President Rigathi Gachagua called on the US President to conduct a similar military operation in Kenya, accusing President William Ruto of harboring alleged drug traffickers within his government and protecting individuals linked to a fraud scandal in Minnesota associated with Kenya.
The recent US military intervention in Venezuela has sparked widespread international condemnation, particularly from African nations. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in international relations, where issues of sovereignty and intervention are increasingly contentious. The African Union’s call for dialogue reflects a broader desire for peaceful conflict resolution in global politics.
