In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Luyimbaazi Issah Katungulu, the African Youth Ambassador, expressed deep concern over reports of a US-led invasion of Venezuela and the purported kidnapping of the country’s legitimate president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife.
Katungulu described the actions as “a clear example of state terrorism and a violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty,” while reaffirming Africa’s unwavering support for the Venezuelan people and their elected government. The ambassador’s message, shared via social media and diplomatic channels, highlights growing international outrage amid escalating tensions in Latin America.
“Failure to act decisively against such violations is tantamount to inviting anarchy and normalizing the use of force and military might as the main form of discourse in international politics,” Katungulu stated. He warned that such events could represent “a regression into a world preceding the United Nations, a world that gave us two brutal world wars and an international system prone to severe structural instability and lawlessness.”
The statement comes at a time when unconfirmed reports from Venezuelan state media and international observers suggest a rapid military incursion by US forces, leading to the detention of Maduro and his spouse. Details remain scarce, with the US government yet to issue an official response. Venezuelan officials have decried the move as an imperialistic overreach, echoing long-standing accusations of foreign interference in the oil-rich nation’s affairs.
Katungulu expressed confidence in the resilience of the Venezuelan populace, urging them to “maintain unity and national cohesion” to “safeguard their independence and national interests and continue on the path of development and progress.” His remarks underscore a broader call for global solidarity, particularly from African nations, which have historically advocated for non-interference in sovereign states.
As a prominent voice in African youth diplomacy, Katungulu has previously spoken on issues of international justice and anti-imperialism. This latest intervention adds to a chorus of condemnations from leaders across the Global South, potentially pressuring the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with protests erupting in Caracas and diplomatic envoys scrambling to verify the claims. Analysts warn that if substantiated, the incident could reshape geopolitical alliances and heighten risks of broader conflict.
For now, the world watches as Venezuela’s future hangs in the balance, with calls like Katungulu’s amplifying the demand for peaceful resolution and respect for international law.