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.

Are Iran’s Hospitals Collapsing Under Protest Violence? Doctors Say Wards Are Overwhelmed as Death Toll Rises and Global Leaders Warn Tehran

Are Iran’s healthcare systems being pushed to the brink as nationwide protests intensify? Medical workers in Tehran and other cities say hospitals are overwhelmed by a surge of injured protesters, many suffering gunshot wounds to the head and eyes, raising urgent questions about the state’s handling of civil unrest.

According to doctors who contacted international media through satellite internet amid a near-total blackout, Tehran’s Farabi Hospital—one of the country’s main eye specialist centres—has entered crisis mode. Non-urgent surgeries have been suspended, emergency staff recalled, and facilities stretched beyond capacity. A medic in Shiraz reported that hospitals lack enough surgeons to cope with the growing number of casualties.

Human rights organisations estimate that at least 50 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, with more than 2,300 arrests nationwide. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group says the death toll includes children, while families of victims continue to speak out despite heavy restrictions on media and internet access. With most foreign journalists barred and communications cut, verifying events inside Iran has become increasingly difficult.

International pressure is mounting. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the loss of life, stressing that citizens have the right to peaceful protest and that governments must protect that right. Leaders from France, the UK and Germany issued a joint statement urging Iranian authorities to allow freedom of expression and assembly without fear of reprisals. Meanwhile, the United States warned Tehran against further violence, while Iran accused Washington of fuelling what it called “subversive acts.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has remained defiant, declaring that the Islamic Republic will not retreat in the face of unrest and vowing to confront what he described as “destructive elements.” In contrast, opposition voices abroad, including Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, praised the protests and called for continued demonstrations.

As hospitals struggle, internet blackouts deepen, and casualty numbers climb, the crisis raises urgent questions: Is Iran’s health system reaching a breaking point? Can the government contain the unrest without further bloodshed? And how will international pressure shape what happens next?

Amnesty International Condemns U.S. Withdrawal From 66 International Treaties, Calls Move ‘Reckless

Amnesty International has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to withdraw from 66 international organisations, conventions, and treaties, calling the move “a vindictive and reckless assault” on the legitimacy of the United Nations and the multilateral system.

In a statement, Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty’s Senior Director of Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, accused the Trump administration of deliberately undermining global cooperation and international law, including agreements on climate change, human rights, and gender equality.

She highlighted the withdrawals from critical bodies such as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, warning that these actions could worsen global instability, deepen human rights abuses, and disproportionately affect marginalized communities worldwide.

Amnesty urged UN member states and international institutions to take immediate action to defend the multilateral system, preserve accountability, and protect human rights globally.

#HumanRights #UN #ClimateAction”

Is the U.S. Turning Its Back on the United Nations? Why UN Chief Guterres Regrets Trump’s Withdrawal From Dozens of Global Bodies and What It Means for World Governance

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from multiple international organisations, warning that financial obligations to the UN remain legally binding under international law. The reaction follows a sweeping policy directive signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, ordering American withdrawal from 66 international bodies, including 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN organisations.

In a statement delivered by UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General described the decision as “regrettable” and stressed that assessed contributions to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets are mandatory under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States. “Assessed contributions… are a legal obligation under the UN Charter,” Dujarric said, adding that all UN agencies would continue implementing their mandates despite political or financial challenges.

While the UN statement did not specify which bodies would be affected or the immediate financial consequences, officials have long warned that funding shortfalls could undermine peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, development programmes, and human-rights initiatives worldwide.

The development stems from a Presidential Memorandum issued by Trump, declaring that continued U.S. participation in the listed organisations no longer serves American interests. The directive follows a comprehensive review ordered under Executive Order 14199 in February 2025, which assessed U.S. involvement in all international organisations, treaties, and conventions receiving American funding or support. After reviewing the findings with his Cabinet, Trump ordered federal agencies to take “immediate steps” to withdraw, where legally permissible.

Among the non-UN organisations affected are bodies dealing with climate change, energy, environmental protection, democracy promotion, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Freedom Online Coalition. The order also targets several security and justice-focused groups, such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law.

On the UN side, the memorandum directs the United States to cease participation in or funding for multiple agencies and programmes, including UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and offices focused on peacebuilding, development, oceans, water, international law, and human rights. It also affects entities such as the Peacebuilding Fund, UN Water, UN Oceans, and the UN University system.

Despite the decision, the UN leadership insists its mission will continue. “All United Nations entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by Member States,” the statement said, underscoring the organisation’s responsibility to people worldwide who rely on its work.

The move has intensified global debate: Can the United States legally withdraw while still bound to financial obligations? Will UN programmes suffer operational setbacks? Does this signal a broader retreat from multilateralism—or a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy priorities? As the review process remains ongoing, with more organisations potentially targeted, the episode raises urgent questions about the future of international cooperation, global governance, and the stability of multilateral institutions.

Trump Orders U.S. Withdrawal From 66 International Organizations, Including 31 UN Bodies

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including 31 United Nations bodies and 35 non-UN entities. The decision, part of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, follows a review mandated under Executive Order 14199 on February 4, 2025, which tasked the Secretary of State with evaluating U.S. participation in all international intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties receiving American support.

According to the memorandum, the Secretary of State submitted findings, which were reviewed by the president and Cabinet, leading to the determination that continued membership in these organizations no longer aligns with U.S. interests. The memorandum instructs all executive departments and agencies to take “immediate steps” to implement withdrawals where legally permissible, including ceasing participation or funding for affected UN bodies.

The withdrawal list encompasses a wide array of policy areas, from climate change, energy, and environmental conservation to human rights, peacebuilding, democracy promotion, and cybersecurity. Notable non-UN organizations affected include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

UN entities affected include major offices and programs such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Women, UN Population Fund, UN Conference on Trade and Development, UN Peacebuilding Fund, UN Oceans, and the UN University system.

Trump emphasized that the review is ongoing, and additional organizations or agreements may be targeted in the future. The memorandum clarifies that this directive does not override existing legal authorities or budgetary controls and does not create enforceable legal rights for any party.

The announcement marks one of the largest U.S. withdrawals from international institutions in modern history, reflecting a strategic pivot toward national sovereignty, cost reduction, and reevaluation of multilateral commitments. The State Department will oversee implementation and provide additional guidance to federal agencies.

Lagos Airport Police Arrest Suspected International Romance Fraudster Over Alleged ₦1 Billion U.S. Scam as Nigeria Police Uncover Celebrity Impersonation, Crypto Fraud and Gift Card Scheme

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command in Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, over his alleged involvement in an international romance and celebrity fraud operation that reportedly defrauded victims in the United States of over ₦1 billion (more than $1 million). According to a police statement, Akpama was apprehended on January 5, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos following months of intelligence-led surveillance.
Police said the suspect previously lived in Calabar before relocating to Lagos in February 2024 and allegedly used a sophisticated online scam, including a cryptocurrency platform known as “BullRun 2.0,” to deceive victims. In one case, investigators said he convinced a 47-year-old U.S.-based woman to transfer $1 million under the guise of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. Another victim, a 70-year-old woman, was reportedly defrauded of over ₦25.7 million through the purchase of gift cards and high-end electronic devices that were shipped to Nigeria.
Items recovered from the suspect include multiple smartphones and a MacBook laptop valued at over ₦8 million. Police said Akpama posed as a 60-year-old United Nations orthopedic surgeon to gain trust and facilitate the fraud. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to prevent airports from being used as escape routes for criminal suspects. The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit, and the suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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.

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.

ECOWAS Urges Restraint, Dialogue, and Respect for Venezuela’s Sovereignty Following U.S. Military Actions

ECOWAS has called for restraint, inclusive dialogue, and respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty in response to recent U.S. military actions in the country. In a statement issued from Abuja on January 5, 2026, the regional bloc emphasized that while states have the right to combat transnational threats, such actions must comply with international law.

The organization highlighted the importance of respecting the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. ECOWAS aligned itself with the African Union’s earlier statement, urging calm, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in Venezuela.

The bloc reaffirmed its support for the Venezuelan people, emphasizing that they must have the primary role in determining their nation’s future through inclusive processes. ECOWAS stressed that international engagement must uphold constitutional and institutional frameworks, good neighborliness, and cooperation, while avoiding violations of sovereignty.

Topics: International, Politics, Africa, Venezuela, Diplomacy.

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.

Omoyele Sowore Calls for Abolition of UN, Labels Global Body ‘Ineffective’ Following U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for the abolition of the United Nations, criticizing it as ineffective amid global conflicts and humanitarian crises. In a statement on X, Sowore described the UN as a “hollow institution” that has failed to maintain international peace and security, citing recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela as an example of the body’s impotence.

He accused the UN of being compromised, unable to prevent aggression, war crimes, and abuses of power by influential nations. Sowore argued that the organization has lost its legitimacy and should be replaced with a new global coalition of nation-states capable of upholding justice, protecting humanity, and preventing tyranny. His remarks reflect growing skepticism toward multilateral institutions, particularly in the Global South.

Amnesty International Raises Alarm Over Human Rights After U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s President and Wife

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the human rights and legal implications of the U.S. military action in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The organization warned that the operation likely violates international law, including the United Nations Charter, and could trigger further human rights violations either through additional U.S. operations or retaliatory measures by Venezuelan authorities.

Amnesty stressed the need for the U.S. to comply with international humanitarian law, uphold due process, and ensure humane treatment of all persons deprived of liberty. It also called on Venezuelan authorities to refrain from further repression and protect the rights of human rights defenders and political activists.

The organization highlighted the broader danger to the rules-based global order, cautioning that such unilateral military actions risk normalizing international interventions driven by force and intimidation rather than law.

#Venezuela #HumanRights #AmnestyInternational #Maduro #USMilitaryAction #InternationalLaw #UNCharter #CiviliansProtection

Femi Falana Urges U.S. Congress to Sanction Donald Trump Over Illegal Venezuela Invasion, Calls on UN to Uphold International Law

Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the U.S. Congress to sanction President Donald Trump for an alleged illegal invasion of Venezuela, warning it violates international law and the United Nations Charter.

Falana condemned Trump’s reported military action in Caracas, which resulted in the overthrow of President Nicolás Maduro, civilian casualties, and the capture of Maduro and his wife on terrorism and narcotics charges. He described the operation as part of “reckless gangsterism” in Trump’s second term, citing previous unauthorized military strikes in Iran and Nigeria.

The lawyer accused the Trump administration of attempting to install a transition regime in Venezuela to seize its oil and gas resources, effectively turning the country into a U.S. colony. Falana emphasized that ideological differences with Maduro’s government do not justify military intervention or regime change.

He urged the U.S. judiciary to reject Trump’s attempts to use domestic courts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and called on the United Nations to demand justice and uphold the UN Charter. Falana also criticized the international community’s double standards, stressing that silence undermines global justice.



#VenezuelaCrisis #FemiFalana #TrumpSanctions #InternationalLaw #UNIntervention

US Congress Should Sanction Donald Trump Over Illegal War On Venezuela, Bombing Of Nigeria And Iran, And ‘Abduction’ Of President Maduro — Femi Falana Writes

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the United States Congress to urgently call President Donald Trump to order over what he described as a pattern of reckless, unconstitutional, and lawless military actions across several countries.

In the opinion piece, Falana accused Trump, in his second term, of engaging in “gangsterism” by launching military attacks without the constitutionally required approval of the US Congress. He cited the bombing of Iran, threats against Nigeria, airstrikes in north-western Nigeria on December 25, 2025, and the most recent invasion of Venezuela as clear violations of both US constitutional provisions and international law.

Falana condemned the bombing of Caracas, the overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and the killing of unarmed civilians, describing the capture and prosecution of Maduro and his wife in a US court as an unprecedented abuse of international legal norms. He argued that the abduction and extraordinary rendition of a sitting president of a sovereign nation amounts to a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The senior lawyer further alleged that the establishment of a US-backed transition regime in Venezuela is aimed at seizing the country’s vast oil and gas resources, effectively turning Venezuela into a new American colony. He urged the US Congress to sanction Trump for the illegal invasion and called on the US judiciary to reject what he described as an attempt to use domestic courts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Falana also criticised the hypocrisy and double standards of the international community, urging the United Nations to stand firmly with the people of Venezuela and demand justice and accountability. He warned that failure to uphold the principles of the UN Charter would further erode the credibility of the global body and weaken international law.

‘US Crossed An Unacceptable Line’ — Brazil Condemns American Military Attacks On Venezuela, Slams Capture Of President Maduro, Monitors Potential Refugee Influx

Brazil has strongly condemned the United States’ military attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, describing the action as a grave violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for global stability. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the US had crossed “an unacceptable line,” warning that the bombings and arrest of Venezuela’s leader undermine national sovereignty and threaten multilateralism.

In a statement posted on X on January 3, 2026, Lula stressed that attacking countries in blatant disregard for international norms risks plunging the world into violence, chaos, and instability, where power overrides the rule of law. He called for a “vigorous” response from the United Nations while reaffirming Brazil’s long-standing opposition to the use of force and its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

The condemnation followed coordinated US military operations that led to the removal of President Maduro, marking Washington’s most direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. US President Donald Trump hailed the operation as a major success, praising it as a powerful demonstration of American military strength.

Amid fears of regional fallout, Brazilian authorities convened an emergency cabinet meeting to assess the situation, with particular concern over a possible surge of Venezuelan refugees. Brazil’s foreign ministry said there had been no unusual movement along the border so far, noting that the country has hosted over 150,000 Venezuelan migrants since 2018 through ongoing humanitarian programmes.

President Lula, who joined the emergency meeting virtually, reiterated that military intervention in Venezuela could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe and renewed Brazil’s offer to act as a mediator. Brazilian officials said they remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments while engaging diplomatically with Venezuelan authorities to prevent further escalation.

African Union Condemns US Airstrikes On Venezuela, Slams ‘Abduction’ Of President Nicolás Maduro, Warns Against Violation Of International Law And National Sovereignty

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the United States’ military strikes on Venezuela and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, describing the developments as deeply troubling and a serious threat to international law and national sovereignty.

In an official communiqué issued on January 3, 2026, the AU said it was following the situation in Venezuela with grave concern amid reports of attacks on state institutions and what it termed the “abduction” of the Venezuelan president. The continental body warned that such actions undermine the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination of nations as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The AU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international law and stressed that Venezuela’s complex internal challenges can only be resolved through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves, rather than through external military intervention. It emphasised the need for peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for constitutional order, and adherence to established institutional frameworks.

Expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the African Union called on all parties involved to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect for international law to prevent further escalation. The AU warned that continued military actions could destabilise the region and threaten global peace, urging cooperation, good neighbourliness, and peaceful coexistence as the only sustainable path forward.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Condemns US Military Action In Venezuela, Warns It Sets Dangerous Precedent And Threatens Regional Stability

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly criticised the United States over its reported military action in Venezuela, warning that the escalation poses serious risks to regional stability and undermines international law. In a statement delivered by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on January 3, 2026, Guterres said he was deeply alarmed by the worsening crisis, describing the US action as a “dangerous precedent” with potentially far-reaching implications for Latin America and beyond.

The UN chief stressed that regardless of Venezuela’s internal political situation, all parties are obligated to respect international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. He expressed grave concern that the established rules governing the use of force may not have been adhered to, cautioning that such actions could weaken the global legal order.

Guterres urged Venezuelan stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and pursue inclusive dialogue rooted in respect for human rights and the rule of law. Meanwhile, reactions in the United States remained divided, with Congressman Riley M. Moore defending the military action by accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of narcotics trafficking and enabling strategic influence by China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere. The developments have further intensified international debate over the legality, consequences, and long-term impact of US intervention in Venezuela.

China Condemns US Military Attack on Venezuela, Slams Capture of President Nicolás Maduro as Violation of Sovereignty and International Law

China has strongly condemned the United States over its reported military action against Venezuela and the alleged capture of President Nicolás Maduro, describing the move as a blatant violation of international law and an attack on a sovereign nation. In an official statement issued on January 3, 2026, the Chinese government warned that such actions threaten peace and security across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Beijing accused Washington of hegemonic behavior, stressing that the use of force undermines Venezuela’s sovereignty and contravenes the principles of the United Nations Charter. China urged the United States to immediately cease actions that violate other countries’ security and independence and to resolve disputes through lawful and diplomatic means.

The condemnation follows claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, allegedly capturing President Maduro and his wife and flying them out of the country—claims made without supporting evidence. Reports of multiple explosions and blackouts in Caracas, particularly near key military installations, have further heightened tensions, fuelling speculation of a coordinated U.S.-linked operation amid an escalating standoff between Washington and Caracas.

Omoyele Sowore Condemns UN Over Venezuela Crisis, Calls for Dissolution Amid US Military Strikes

Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the United Nations for its perceived failure to address the crisis in Venezuela and U.S. military actions, including the alleged capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Describing the UN as ineffective and compromised, Sowore called for its dissolution and the creation of a new global body to uphold justice and prevent abuses of power by influential nations.

Sowore accused U.S. President Donald Trump of pursuing an illegal regime change agenda in Venezuela. The comments follow reports of explosions in Caracas, near key military installations, amid heightened tensions with the United States. Trump claimed on Truth Social that Maduro and his wife were captured in a “large-scale” operation, though no evidence has been provided.

The situation has drawn international scrutiny and intensified debates on unilateral military interventions and the UN’s role in maintaining global peace.