• African Union, states urge dialogue, restraint, protection of Venezuela’s sovereignty at UN, in bilateral talks

ISTANBUL

African countries have voiced solidarity with Venezuela following the US’ capture of President Nicolas Maduro, reaffirming their commitment to international law.

US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a military operation against Venezuela resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and pledged to assert American control over the country for the time being, with US troops, if necessary.

The US operation has prompted African countries to demand the upholding of international law and express solidarity with the South American nation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa “utterly” rejected the US action, which “undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state.”

He demanded the release of Maduro and his wife on Tuesday, reiterating South Africa’s call for the UN Security Council to take “decisive action” to uphold its mandate and advance peace and security.

Africa highlights Venezuela concerns at UN Security Council

South Africa told the UN Security Council on Monday that the “unilateral” US strikes on Venezuela and the “abduction” of Maduro and his wife “wantonly” violated the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

It said the actions stood “in stark contrast of our established legal norms.”

“Once again, the belief that might is right, is reinforced and diplomacy is undermined,” it added.

South Africa said history has repeatedly shown that “military invasions” of sovereign states lead to instability and deeper crises, citing Libya, Iraq and cases in Africa, where it said foreign intervention has fueled insecurity and undermined nationally rooted governance institutions.

Allegations of governance challenges, human rights abuses or criminal conduct by a head of state “cannot justify” breaching the UN Charter’s ban on the use of force, it stressed.

Speaking on behalf of the A3 members -- the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Liberia -- the Liberian delegation said the developments posed serious challenges to Venezuela’s internal stability and underscored the need to safeguard broader regional peace and security.

“The complex situation in Venezuela requires a comprehensive response that is both inclusive and nationally owned,” it said.

It said a sustainable and peaceful resolution could only be achieved through constructive dialogue among Venezuelans, with respect for the aspirations and rights of the Venezuelan people and constructive support from the international community.

Eritrea, speaking on behalf of the 16-member Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, said the group condemns the US “act of aggression” against Venezuela, which it said included armed attacks on civilian and military targets and the “illegal abduction” of Maduro and his wife.

It called on the Security Council, General Assembly and other international bodies to act swiftly to uphold the UN Charter, protect Venezuela’s sovereignty and prevent an escalation threatening regional and global peace.

African Union, states concerned by US actions

The African Union (AU) was quick to react to Maduro’s “abduction” and attacks on Venezuela, reaffirming its commitment to international law.

“Complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves,” it said in a statement.

It urged all parties to exercise restraint and preserve regional peace and stability, while expressing solidarity with Venezuelans.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also stressed respect for Venezuela’s independence and territorial integrity, noting that while states have the right to fight international crimes, such actions must comply with international law.

Ghana condemned what it called the “unilateral and unauthorized invasion” of Venezuela and the “abduction” of Maduro and his wife, calling for their release and immediate de-escalation.

“Such assaults on international law, attempts at the occupation of foreign territories and apparent external control of oil resources have extremely adverse implications on international stability and the global order,” according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

It warned that Trump’s statements about controlling Venezuelan resources are “reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era,” threatening global stability.

“Such colonial ambitions should have no place in the post-Second World War era,” it stressed.

Namibia reaffirmed the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations in a statement that highlighted its solidarity with Venezuela based on a “shared history of anti-colonial struggle for self-determination and independence.”

Foreign ministers voice backing for sovereignty in talks with Venezuelan counterpart

In a series of calls with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, African foreign ministers voiced solidarity with Venezuela, reaffirmed their commitment to international law and sovereignty.

Senegal’s Cheikh Niang highlighted the Venezuelan people’s right to self-governance, Gambia’s Sering Modou Njie called for respect for international law “without exceptions,” and Burundi’s Edouard Bizimana rejected the “use of force as a means of domination.”

Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traore denounced the operation as a breach of the UN Charter and the Latin America and Caribbean peace zone, while Liberia’s Sara Beysolow Nyanti pledged action at the Security Council.

Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop condemned attacks on civilian and military sites, and Mbae Mohamed of Comoros decried the “unacceptable bombings and the kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife.

Chad’s Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul reaffirmed the defense of the UN Charter, Angola’s Tete Antonio denounced the “foreign intervention,” and Niger’s Yaou Sangare Bakary said the operation threatened the entire Global South.​​​​​​​