Staff Reporter
SOPHIA Shaningwa, the SWAPO Party Secretary General, has, on behalf of the ruling party, strongly condemned the recent actions undertaken by the United States of America in Venezuela, which she said are contrary to established norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
“In the wake of the United States of America’s unjustifiable aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the SWAPO Party extends its unwavering solidarity to the people of Venezuela and to President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, following his unprecedented abduction by the United States of America,” said Shaningwa in a statement issued in Windhoek on Tuesday.
She noted that SWAPO, as a political organisation born out of the crucibles of anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid, reaffirms its commitment to the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and mutual respect among nations — principles that have long guided SWAPO’s own path to independence.
“We reiterate,” she said, “that each nation deserves to chart its own path, to preserve its own culture, and for its people to be masters of their own destiny, free from external imposition or interference.”
She stated that a military invasion of a sovereign nation and the subsequent detention of a sitting head of state undermine the foundational tenets of diplomatic relations and pose a serious threat to global stability.
“We firmly call for the immediate and unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife, allowing him to resume his duties in service to his nation without further interference,” said Shaningwa, as she urged all nations and international organisations to uphold the sovereignty of independent nations and to adhere strictly to international law, “which has kept us together as a global village hitherto”.
She said that violations of established principles not only erode trust among peoples but also hinder collective efforts towards global peace and cooperation.
She added: “In this spirit, the SWAPO Party calls upon the international community, particularly peace-loving nations in Africa and the world, to demonstrate unwavering solidarity with Venezuela and its President, His Excellency Nicolás Maduro. Let us stand together in defence of peace and unity, ensuring that the voices of sovereign nations are respected and protected at all costs. We believe that through dialogue and adherence to multilateral frameworks, each nation can realise the hopes and aspirations of its peoples.”
Photos: Contributed
