Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Says Venezuela Is Fully in Control of Its Affairs
Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez has publicly rejected claims that any foreign power especially the United States is running her country. In a televised address from Caracas, she insisted that “the government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else,” and that “there is no foreign agent governing Venezuela.” Her remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would oversee Venezuela during a transition period following a U.S. military operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro.

South African President Ramaphosa Condemns U.S. Actions in Venezuela, Demands Release of President Maduro

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned U.S. actions in Venezuela, describing them as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Speaking in a video posted on his X account, Ramaphosa stated that the United States undermined Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
He emphasized that such foreign interference threatens global peace and stability, urging the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action to maintain international peace and security. Ramaphosa affirmed South Africa’s support for the Venezuelan people in the face of what he described as external aggression and political destabilization, warning that inaction by the UN could encourage further violations of international norms and deepen instability worldwide.

#Ramaphosa #Venezuela #Maduro #USInterference #InternationalLaw #UNCharter #GlobalPeace #SouthAfrica #Diplomacy #WorldNews

US Justice Department Softens Drug Trafficking Case Against Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Scales Back ‘Cartel de los Soles’ Claims in Revised Indictment

The United States Justice Department has quietly retreated from one of its most high-profile allegations against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—that he led a powerful international drug cartel known as the Cartel de los Soles. A newly released, revised indictment significantly reduces references to the group and no longer portrays it as a formal criminal organization or identifies Maduro as its leader.

Originally, a 2020 indictment during the first Trump administration depicted the Cartel de los Soles as a unified narcotics cartel headed by Maduro, accusing him of using cocaine trafficking as a “weapon” against the United States and of collaborating with Colombia’s FARC rebels. Those claims later formed the basis for escalated U.S. actions, including the Treasury Department’s 2025 designation of the cartel as a terrorist organization and a similar move by the State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

However, crime experts and Latin American analysts have long disputed the existence of the Cartel de los Soles as a structured organization, describing it instead as media slang for corrupt officials who profit from drug trafficking. The revised indictment reflects this view, recharacterizing the cartel as a “patronage system” and “culture of corruption” rather than a concrete criminal entity. The term now appears only twice, compared with more than 30 mentions in the original filing.

While prosecutors still accuse Maduro of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, they now allege that he protected and benefited from a corrupt network rather than commanding a formal cartel. Analysts, including Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group, say the updated indictment aligns more closely with reality, though they question why earlier terrorism designations remain in place despite the lack of courtroom proof.

The shift has also raised political and legal questions about the justification for previous U.S. actions. Notably, the Cartel de los Soles has never been identified as a major trafficking organization in reports by the DEA or the United Nations. Despite the revisions, Rubio has continued to publicly describe the cartel as a functioning criminal group, insisting that Maduro remains its leader.

Overall, the development marks a significant recalibration of the U.S. government’s case against Maduro—undermining a central narrative used to justify sanctions and designations, while still maintaining accusations of involvement in drug trafficking and systemic corruption.

BBC Bars Journalists From Using ‘Kidnapped’ to Describe Nicolas Maduro’s Arrest by US Forces, Sparks Global Media Ethics Debate After Trump Backs Term

A controversy has erupted over the BBC’s editorial guidelines following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces. According to socialist commentator Owen Jones, BBC journalists were instructed through an internal memo not to describe the incident as a “kidnapping,” despite that term being used by Venezuelan officials and even accepted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The memo, circulated by the BBC News Editor, advised reporters to use terms such as “captured”—attributed to the U.S. account of events—or “seized” in the corporation’s own reporting, while explicitly cautioning: “Avoid using ‘Kidnapped.’” Jones shared the directive publicly, triggering widespread debate about editorial independence, language framing, and media neutrality in covering sensitive international operations.

The backlash intensified after President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said he had no objection to describing Maduro’s detention as a kidnapping, responding: “It’s alright. It’s not a bad term.” Trump confirmed that Maduro had been taken into U.S. custody and transferred to New York, following what U.S. authorities called a surprise operation. Venezuela’s then–Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who has since been sworn in as interim president, had earlier labeled the action a “kidnapping.”

In court, Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, and weapons-related offences. Maduro told the court he was “kidnapped” and “captured” from his Caracas residence, declaring himself a “prisoner of war.” The developments have intensified scrutiny of both U.S. actions in Venezuela and the BBC’s editorial choices, with critics arguing the language ban reflects political sensitivity, while defenders say it ensures accuracy and consistency.

The episode has reignited global debate over media ethics, word choice in conflict reporting, and the power of language in shaping public perception of international crises.

Nigeria-Based Venezuela Solidarity Group Condemns US Threats, Demands Release of President Maduro and Wife

The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign in Nigeria (VSCN) has voiced strong opposition to alleged U.S. military and economic aggression against Venezuela, calling for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, whom the group claims were “illegally abducted” by the Trump administration—a claim yet unverified.

The coalition condemned attempts to justify foreign intervention in Venezuela under the guise of fighting drugs and arms smuggling, alleging that Venezuela’s oil and resources are the real targets. They also warned against similar threats to Greenland, Iran, and Nigeria, framing such actions as violations of international law and national sovereignty.

The VSCN urged Nigerians committed to global peace and justice to join solidarity marches, strengthen national unity, and protect against potential imperialist interference in Nigeria. The statement emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law as the proper means of resolving disputes.

Delcy Rodriguez Sworn In as Interim President of Venezuela After US Capture of Nicolas Maduro and Wife, Signals Conditional Cooperation With Washington

Venezuela’s former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by United States forces. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the National Assembly in Caracas, drawing global attention amid rising diplomatic tensions and cautious signals of possible engagement with Washington, according to AFP.

Rodriguez, who took the oath “in the name of all Venezuelans,” expressed sorrow over the detention of Maduro and Flores, describing them as “hostages in the United States.” While condemning the US operation, the National Assembly pledged full support for Rodriguez’s interim leadership. Lawmakers also re-elected her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, as parliamentary speaker, consolidating the family’s grip on both the executive and legislative arms of government.

During the session, legislators chanted slogans linked to Maduro’s controversial 2024 re-election campaign, which was widely criticised by opposition groups and foreign governments, including the United States, as fraudulent. Senior lawmakers accused President Donald Trump of overstepping international norms, vowing to pursue all avenues to secure Maduro’s return to power.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court authorised Rodriguez to assume the presidency in an acting capacity, a move later endorsed by the military. Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, and the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) also threw their weight behind Rodriguez, insisting the country remains stable under her leadership. The PSUV and its allies currently control 256 of the 286 seats in parliament following elections boycotted by much of the opposition.

Despite insisting that Maduro remains Venezuela’s “only legitimate president,” Rodriguez extended a conditional offer of cooperation to Washington, which has indicated willingness to work with Caracas if its demands on political reforms and oil access are met. However, Trump warned that Rodriguez could face consequences similar to or worse than Maduro’s if she failed to comply with US directives.

The unfolding developments mark a dramatic turning point in Venezuela’s political crisis, deepening internal power consolidation while reshaping the country’s already strained relationship with the United States.

ADC Says Trump’s Action Against Venezuela’s Maduro Is a Warning to Illegitimate Governments, Slams Tinubu’s Silence as Embarrassing for Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described recent actions by the United States under President Donald Trump against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife as a strong warning to governments that lack legitimacy, urging Nigeria to draw lessons from the development. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the move sends “a strong message” to Nigeria and other countries where leadership is allegedly sustained by flawed elections and repression.

While reaffirming its support for national sovereignty and non-interference as enshrined in the UN Charter, the ADC argued that these principles should not be used to shield tyranny, electoral fraud, and the denial of citizens’ right to choose their leaders. Citing the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, the party noted widespread international condemnation over alleged fraud, repression, exclusion of opposition candidates, violent suppression of protests, and the use of state institutions against citizens—developments it said have driven mass migration and regional instability.

The ADC acknowledged that U.S. intervention raises concerns under international law but maintained that the public celebrations within Venezuela reflect a deep legitimacy crisis for the Maduro government. The party also criticised the Tinubu administration’s silence, calling it “deeply embarrassing” and evidence that Nigeria has lost influence and moral authority on the global stage. It concluded that sovereignty must reflect the will of the people, not merely the survival of a regime, warning that “contrived mandates” and election rigging will no longer find safe haven.

UN Chief António Guterres Warns Security Council of Escalating Venezuela Crisis After U.S. Military Operation, Cites Risks to Regional Stability and International Law

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned the Security Council that recent U.S. military action in Venezuela could deepen instability, destabilise the wider region, and undermine the foundations of international law. Speaking through UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo at an emergency meeting, Guterres described the situation as “grave” following the 3 January U.S. operation that reportedly led to the capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the United States.

According to the UN briefing, U.S. forces carried out operations across Caracas and several northern states, with the full extent of casualties still unclear. While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the strike, the Venezuelan government condemned the action as a violation of the UN Charter and a threat to international peace and security. At the time of the meeting, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were being held in New York to face serious criminal charges.

Guterres stressed that the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, warning that the precedent set by the operation could erode global norms. He also placed the crisis within Venezuela’s prolonged political, social, and economic turmoil, citing disputed elections, documented human rights violations, and the mass exodus of citizens. Urging restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement, the UN chief called on all parties to respect sovereignty, human rights, and the rule of law, insisting that “the power of the law must prevail” as the international community seeks a peaceful path forward for Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in U.S. Court, Declares “I Am Still President” Amid Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal charges during his first appearance in a New York courtroom, using the moment to reaffirm his claim to the presidency. Facing allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of weapons, Maduro rejected the accusations, insisting on his innocence and political legitimacy.

According to reports, the indictment includes four major counts, marking one of the most serious criminal cases ever brought against a sitting foreign leader in the United States. Outside the courthouse, supporters and protesters gathered, turning the proceedings into a political spectacle highlighting tensions over sovereignty, accountability, and international justice.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was apprehended alongside him, also entered a not guilty plea to similar drug trafficking and weapons charges. The case follows an announcement by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who confirmed that both were indicted in the Southern District of New York. As the trial moves forward, the case is set to test the reach of U.S. law while deepening the global political controversy surrounding Venezuela’s embattled leadership.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Appears in New York Court Amid UN Debate Over Legality of U.S. Capture

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court to face long-standing U.S. drug trafficking charges following a U.S. special forces operation in Caracas. The raid, described as the largest U.S. military intervention in Latin America since Panama in 1989, allegedly involved breaching Maduro’s security to arrest him.

U.S. authorities accuse Maduro of leading a vast cocaine-trafficking network linked to Mexico’s cartels, Colombian rebels, and Venezuelan gangs. Maduro denies the charges, calling them politically motivated.

Despite the arrest, Maduro’s allies still control Caracas, and Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, signaled cautious openness to dialogue with the U.S. The operation has sparked international controversy, with Russia, China, and Cuba condemning the U.S. action, while Western allies have urged dialogue and adherence to international law.

The UN Security Council is set to debate the legality of the U.S. operation, while markets reacted with modest gains in oil prices, Venezuelan bonds, and defense stocks amid geopolitical uncertainty.

26 EU States Urge Calm, Respect For International Law After US Military Captures Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Twenty-six member states of the European Union have called for calm, restraint and strict adherence to international law following the United States’ military action in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. In a joint statement issued by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the bloc warned against actions that could escalate tensions or derail prospects for a peaceful resolution of the Venezuelan crisis.

The EU stressed that the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be upheld at all times, noting that members of the UN Security Council bear a special responsibility in safeguarding these norms as a foundation of global security. While reiterating its long-standing position that Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president, the EU emphasized support for a Venezuelan-led, peaceful and democratic transition that respects the country’s sovereignty.

The statement also highlighted the need for sustained international cooperation to combat transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, but only in full respect of territorial integrity and international law. The bloc said it remains in close contact with the United States, regional actors and international partners to facilitate dialogue aimed at a negotiated, inclusive and peaceful solution driven by Venezuelans themselves.

Additionally, the EU called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela and confirmed that EU member states’ consular authorities are working together to protect EU citizens, including those allegedly detained unlawfully. The intervention comes amid heightened global concern over Venezuela’s political deadlock and regional stability following President Donald Trump’s announcement that Maduro had been captured and transferred to the United States to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged links to designated terrorist organisations.

China Condemns U.S. Detention of Venezuela’s President Maduro, Says No Country Has the Right to Act as the ‘World’s Judge’ or Global Police

China has strongly criticised the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, declaring that it will never accept any country positioning itself as the “world’s judge” or acting as a global police force. The position was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, in Beijing, following what he described as sudden and serious developments in Venezuela.

Without naming the United States directly, Wang Yi stressed that international law does not permit any nation to unilaterally police or judge others, insisting that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be respected. His remarks marked China’s first public response since images of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed surfaced, sparking global controversy. Maduro is currently detained in New York and awaiting a court appearance on drug-related charges.

The development poses a diplomatic test for China, which has cultivated close ties with Venezuela and considers itself a dependable partner to Caracas. Beijing has played a significant economic and political role in supporting Venezuela, particularly since Western sanctions intensified in 2017, investing billions of dollars and purchasing large volumes of Venezuelan crude oil. Analysts say China’s growing confidence on the global stage, reinforced by its past confrontations with Washington and recent diplomatic initiatives, is shaping its firm stance.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that Washington will temporarily oversee Venezuela’s government has raised concerns about the future of China–Venezuela relations and Beijing’s ambition to act as a major diplomatic power. Chinese officials privately described Maduro’s detention as a major setback, highlighting years of diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation now overshadowed by escalating geopolitical tensions.

Pope Leo Says Welfare Of Venezuelans Must Prevail
Following his Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square, the first US pope told the crowd that "the welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations".

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday said Venezuelans’ welfare should prevail after the toppling of President Nicolas Maduro in a US operation and said the country’s sovereignty should be guaranteed.

Venezuela’s Maduro To Appear Before Judge Monday In New York
Five Latin American countries and Spain warned on Sunday against any outside bid for "control" of Venezuela, after US President Donald Trump suggested Washington would "run" the country and access its oil.

Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolas Maduro, is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon Monday to be formally notified about the charges against him, the court said.

Somaliland Endorses U.S. Military Action in Venezuela, Says Intervention Could Restore Democracy

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has expressed support for the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as a measured international effort aimed at restoring constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, Somaliland said it aligns “in principle” with U.S.-led action carried out in coordination with regional and multilateral partners.

According to Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the intervention could help ease Venezuela’s worsening humanitarian crisis, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led political transition rooted in sovereignty, accountability, and human rights. The government stressed that its position is guided by international norms and collective security considerations.

The endorsement follows U.S. military strikes that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a major success and announced that Washington would oversee Venezuela’s affairs during a transition period. The intervention has sparked global reactions, drawing both support and sharp criticism amid concerns over sovereignty, human rights, and the future of international order.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Slams Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela as Illegal, Unconstitutional and Dangerous Violation of International Law

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s military action in Venezuela, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant violation of international law. In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, the Vermont senator accused Trump of overstepping his authority as commander-in-chief and showing “contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law” by launching military operations without congressional approval.

Sanders stressed that the U.S. president does not have the constitutional right to unilaterally take the country to war, even against what he described as a corrupt and brutal dictator like Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He also rejected Trump’s claim that the United States has the right to “run” Venezuela, insisting that such rhetoric reflects dangerous imperial thinking.

Calling on Congress to act urgently, Sanders urged lawmakers to pass a War Powers Resolution to immediately end what he termed an illegal military operation and to reassert Congress’s constitutional responsibilities. He warned that the attack would have far-reaching global consequences, making both the United States and the world less safe, and setting a dangerous precedent in international relations.

Sanders compared Trump’s justification for the Venezuela action to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that it mirrors the same “logic of force” used by President Vladimir Putin. He further accused the Trump administration of reviving imperial ambitions in Latin America, citing references to the Monroe Doctrine and alleged interest in controlling Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which he described as “rank imperialism.”

Turning to domestic concerns, Sanders criticised Trump for focusing on foreign military adventures while major problems persist at home, including economic hardship, a struggling healthcare system, housing unaffordability, and job threats posed by artificial intelligence. He concluded that Trump was failing in his responsibility to govern the United States, stating that the president should focus on domestic crises rather than attempting to “run” Venezuela.

When Power Rewrites Jurisdiction: Legal Implications of Maduro’s Capture, Universal Jurisdiction and Trump’s Nigeria Playbook — Opinion by Dr. Seun Solomon Bakare

In this opinion piece, Dr. Seun Solomon Bakare critically examines the United States’ capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to New York, arguing that while the act may appear morally justified, it presents profound legal and jurisdictional challenges under international law. He contends that the operation represents more than a criminal arrest, instead signalling a dangerous precedent where power, rather than law, determines jurisdiction, forum, and enforcement.

Bakare explains that international law restricts the use of force to narrow circumstances such as self-defence or UN Security Council authorisation, noting that criminal indictments do not justify cross-border military seizures. He argues that doctrines like universal jurisdiction allow prosecution of certain crimes but do not permit armed enforcement on foreign soil, especially against a sitting head of state protected by immunity under international law.

Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s experience under the Trump administration—through sanctions, visa restrictions, and external pressure—Bakare warns that unilateral enforcement bypassing domestic and regional accountability mechanisms undermines principles such as complementarity, subsidiarity, and regional justice. He cautions that collapsing the distinction between prosecution and regime change risks transforming international criminal law into a contest of raw power, where legality becomes secondary to capability.

The article concludes that without credible domestic and regional accountability systems, global justice risks devolving into coercion by the powerful, threatening the very foundations of the post-1945 international legal order.

Analyst Who Predicted Trump’s Move Against Venezuela Reacts as Nicolás Maduro Is Removed, Says US Now Controls Global Oil Power

An Indian political analyst, Aravind, who accurately predicted the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has reacted after his forecast appeared to come true. In April 2025, Aravind had warned that once a Russia–Ukraine peace deal was concluded, the United States under Donald Trump would aggressively target Venezuela through sanctions, covert actions, or even direct military intervention.

By June 2025, he expanded his analysis, arguing that oil was the central driver of Washington’s strategy. He predicted that the US would engineer a coup against Maduro, gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, influence global oil prices, and reshape geopolitical alliances, including drawing Russia away from China.

Following the January 3, 2026 raid in which Maduro was reportedly captured by US forces, Aravind declared that Venezuela had been “couped” exactly as he predicted, claiming the US now controls Venezuelan oil and holds dominance over much of the world’s energy supply. His comments have reignited debates about US foreign policy, energy politics, rising oil prices, and the wider geopolitical consequences of Washington’s actions in Latin America.

Deji Adeyanju Condemns Hypocrisy Over Nnamdi Kanu Rendition, Fubara Suspension and U.S. Abduction of Maduro

Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju criticized what he called selective outrage among some Nigerians regarding international law and due process. He condemned the U.S. extraordinary rendition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stressing that illegal actions cannot be justified regardless of the target’s record of human rights abuses.

Adeyanju highlighted the inconsistency of Nigerians who previously praised the unlawful rendition of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya and supported the unconstitutional removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, yet now condemn similar actions by the U.S. He emphasized that due process and respect for international law must apply universally, warning that justifying illegal actions based on political convenience undermines justice and global law.



#DejiAdeyanju #Maduro #NnamdiKanu #Fubara #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #DueProcess #NigeriaNews #SelectiveOutrage

Venezuela’s Supreme Court Names Delcy Rodríguez Acting President After U.S. Captures Maduro

Following a U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president to ensure administrative continuity and national defense. Rodríguez partially blamed Israel for Maduro’s capture, calling it a foreign attack with “Zionist undertones.”

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela, citing severe risks including arbitrary detention, civil unrest, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. The embassy, operating from Bogotá, warned that all consular services remain suspended and urged U.S. citizens to take precautions, maintain communication with contacts outside the country, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

#Venezuela #DelcyRodríguez #MaduroCapture #USMilitary #InternationalCrisis #VenezuelanPolitics #TravelAdvisory #GlobalNews