Nigerian Cuba Solidarity Group Condemns U.S. Raid in Venezuela That Killed 32 Cubans, Demands End to Sanctions and Release of Maduro

The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity With Cuba (NMSC) has strongly condemned the United States’ military operation in Venezuela that reportedly led to the deaths of 32 Cuban nationals, describing the action as a violation of international law and an assault on national sovereignty.

In a statement signed by labour activist Owei Lakemfa, the coalition said it stands in “deep condolence” with the Cuban people following the January 3 raid in Caracas, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured. The Cuban government confirmed that those killed were members of its armed forces and intelligence services stationed in Venezuela.

The Nigerian solidarity group accused Washington of engaging in “military aggression” and demanded the immediate release of President Maduro, respect for international law, and an end to what it called the United States’ pattern of “invasions of countries and territories.” Havana has since declared days of national mourning, praising the fallen for their “dignity and heroism” while denouncing the operation as state terrorism.

Drawing on Cuba’s history of international solidarity, the NMSC cited the country’s role in anti-apartheid struggles in Africa, humanitarian missions across the globe, and its medical support during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of its commitment to global justice. The group also renewed calls for the lifting of long-standing U.S. sanctions on Cuba and demanded an end to punitive measures against Venezuela, warning that such policies inflict suffering on ordinary citizens.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from labour organisations and political movements worldwide, with critics arguing that the raid represents a dangerous breach of sovereignty and the United Nations Charter.

Music, Arts Empower Collective Resistance Against Oppression — Sowore Tells African Human Rights Festival In Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has described music, art and creative expression as powerful tools of resistance that oppressive systems cannot defeat. Speaking at the African Human Rights Festival in Abuja, Sowore said rhythm, symbols and collective creativity have historically served as weapons against tyranny, from enslaved Africans using drums for communication to modern protest movements powered by music and digital tools. He noted that art transforms protests into unified resistance, sustains courage and builds community, citing movements such as anti-apartheid struggles and Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests. Sowore also praised Amnesty International for its role in Nigeria’s human rights advocacy while condemning attempts to undermine it, insisting that as long as people can create and express themselves collectively, oppression will never prevail.

Newsbrief: Julius Malema Calls for One Africa at NBA Conference

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has renewed calls for a united Africa under one president, one parliament, one currency, and a single military command.

Speaking at the Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president urged leaders to dismantle colonial-era borders, promote visa-free movement across the continent, and build industries that process Africa’s own resources.

Malema praised Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, urging both countries to lead African industrialisation and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also cautioned against reckless foreign borrowing, calling World Bank and IMF loans “debt traps.”

“Africans must refuse to be subjects of others. Our salvation lies in Lagos, Johannesburg, Abuja, and Pretoria — in the hands of Africans who refuse to be divided,” he told thousands of lawyers at the event.

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