Allexer Namundjembo
Namibia has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting following reports that the United States attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The Namibian government said the actions constitute a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
On Sunday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.
“The respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for the enhancement of global peace and stability,” the ministry stated.
Reports over the weekend stated that United States forces carried out an overnight operation in Venezuela, captured Maduro at his compound and flew him to the US, along with military strikes on Venezuelan bases.
US President Donald Trump was quoted as vowing to “run the country” until there is a “proper” transition of power.
Namibia reaffirmed its long-standing friendship and solidarity with Venezuela, rooted in shared histories of anti-colonial struggle for self-determination and independence.
The Namibian government said it supports the involvement of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and regional bodies, to safeguard international law and national sovereignty.
Namibia urged the international community to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy as ways to resolve disputes among nations.
“The Namibian position comes amid strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, following allegations of a U.S. military attack on Venezuelan territory and the abduction of President Maduro.”
The ambassador of Venezuela to Namibia, Magaly Henríquez, described the reported attack as a serious breach of international law and a direct assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
She said the incident is a criminal act aimed at undermining the will of the Venezuelan people and placing the country under imperial interests.
Henríquez rejected foreign interference and said Venezuela would not submit to external pressure.
“From this diplomatic mission, we raise our voice with firmness and dignity to reject this unacceptable attack,” she said, adding that Venezuela remains a free, sovereign and resilient country.
She called for international solidarity and reiterated Venezuela’s demand for the release of Maduro.
“Truth and justice are on our side,” she said.
Affirmative Repositioning acting head of information George Kambala said the movement is concerned about the reported capture of the Venezuelan president. He also called for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) over the weekend said it stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and opposes foreign intervention that threatens their democratic will and right to self-determination.
The youth league said Africa and Latin America share histories shaped by colonialism, imperialism and external interference and reaffirmed its support for Venezuelan youth and social movements defending the country’s sovereignty.
It urged the United Nations to act with urgency to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, uphold the UN Charter and protect the rights and lives of its people.
SPYL also called for an immediate end to all military actions targeting Venezuela and demanded the safe and immediate return of Maduro.
The youth league said Venezuelans must be allowed to govern themselves freely in line with their constitutional processes.
“We stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people. No to imperial intervention. Freedom and safe return for the Venezuelan President,” SPYL Secretary Ephraim Nekongo said.
He added that SPYL is calling on progressive youth across the world to speak out in defence of peace, sovereignty and national dignity for all states, including Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) criticised the government for expressing solidarity with Venezuela following what it describes as United States aggression and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by IPC shadow minister of international relations and trade Rodney Cloete, the party said Maduro is not a liberation hero but a leader accused by United Nations investigators of crimes against humanity. The statement said his disputed 2024 election was rejected by large sections of the international community.
IPC said defending international law should not amount to uncritical support for alleged autocrats. It added that millions of Venezuelans have fled the country due to prolonged political and economic misrule.
The party also criticised the Ministry of International Relations and Trade for issuing a statement without a ministerial signature, questioning whether it reflects a fully considered Cabinet position.
Relationships between the United States and Venezuela have been tense for more than a decade, shaped by disputes over governance, political legitimacy, sanctions and foreign policy.
The US has refused to recognise Maduro’s administration and imposed wide-ranging sanctions while supporting opposition forces.
Venezuelan authorities have accused the United States of pursuing regime-changing strategies through economic pressure, diplomatic isolation and covert actions.
Several countries, including Cuba, Russia, China, Iran and Nicaragua, have opposed military intervention and stressed non-interference and respect for international law.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, countries such as Bolivia and members of the Caribbean Community have also raised concerns, warning that external aggression undermines peace and stability.
