Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has expressed shock at the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the United States, describing the incident as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, and has urged the international community to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the unfolding crisis.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said it had learned “with great shock” of the capture of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on 3 January 2026 by U.S. authorities.
PICTURED: First pictures of Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on arrival last night at New York Stewart International Airport, accompanied by the DEA agents (Drug Enforcement Administration) for transport to a detention facility in New York. Photo: RapidResponse47
The ministry stressed that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations must be fully respected, in line with the United Nations Charter and the core principles of international law, as a foundation for global peace and stability.
Namibia reaffirmed its long-standing friendship, solidarity and cooperation with Venezuela, noting the two countries’ shared history of anti-colonial struggle for self-determination and independence.
The ministry further expressed support for the active involvement of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and relevant regional bodies, to safeguard international law and national sovereignty. In this regard, Namibia said it supports the convening of a United Nations Security Council session to address the situation in Venezuela.
The statement concluded by calling on the international community to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy in resolving differences between nations.
