Namibia has called for a United Nations–led response to the political crisis in Venezuela following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the United States. In a statement released by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Namibian government expressed what it described as “great shock” at the development, framing it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law.
The ministry reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, particularly those concerning the respect for territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. It urged the international community to respond through multilateral mechanisms, highlighting the centrality of the UN in safeguarding global stability and promoting lawful conduct among nations.
Namibia’s statement emphasised its solidarity with Venezuela, invoking a shared history rooted in anti-colonial struggle and the pursuit of self-determination. The ministry noted that both nations have long supported one another in advancing South-South cooperation and defending the principle that political disputes must be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement.
Windhoek’s call for a UN Security Council session to deliberate on the matter reflects Namibia’s broader advocacy for international law as the cornerstone of global governance. The ministry stressed that any deviation from these principles risks undermining the credibility of the international system, particularly for nations that have historically been subjected to external interventions.
This position aligns with Namibia’s consistent foreign policy approach that values multilateralism and non-alignment, reflecting Africa’s increasing insistence on a rules-based international order that treats all nations with equal respect. By urging the UN to assume a central role, Namibia positioned itself within a continental tradition of promoting collective sovereignty and institutional legitimacy over unilateral action.
While the United States has yet to issue an official statement detailing the legal basis for the reported capture, several governments and international observers have expressed concern about the implications of such an act for global diplomatic norms. Analysts note that Namibia’s intervention, though diplomatically measured, resonates with broader sentiments across the Global South, where countries increasingly advocate for equitable international relations and respect for national sovereignty.
Namibia’s statement concludes by urging all parties involved to refrain from escalatory measures and to pursue constructive dialogue under the auspices of international law. The ministry reaffirmed that peace, stability, and respect for sovereignty are essential to sustaining global order and ensuring that smaller nations are not marginalised in the decisions that shape the world’s political landscape.
