By Babs Oyetoro, with agency reports
Global unease mounted following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States Special Forces. This action has drawn sharp condemnation from the African Union, the United Nations and religious leaders, while raising fears of a dangerous new phase in international relations.
The African Union (AU), in its first formal reaction on Sunday, expressed grave concern over the reported abduction of President Maduro and what it described as attacks on Venezuelan state institutions, warning that the action constitutes a violation of international law and state sovereignty.
In a communiqué issued Sunday night, the AU said it was following developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela “with grave concern,” citing reports of Maduro’s abduction and military assaults on national institutions.
“The AU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of States, their territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination,” the statement said, referencing the United Nations Charter.
The continental body stressed that Venezuela’s internal political and economic challenges could only be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
“The AU emphasises that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves,” it said.
Warning against further escalation, the AU urged restraint by all parties, respect for international boundaries, and adherence to international law to preserve regional peace and stability, while expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
*UN warns of dangerous precedent
Earlier on Saturday, the United Nations had issued a stern warning, describing the US military operation in Venezuela as a dangerous precedent that undermines international law and the principles of sovereignty enshrined in the UN Charter.
In a statement released in New York by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the sharp deterioration in relations between the United States and Venezuela, culminating in the reported seizure of President Maduro and his wife.
“The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region,” the statement said.
“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent.”
Guterres emphasised that “the rules of international law have not been respected,” reiterating that all parties must uphold the UN Charter regardless of political disagreements.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), US President Donald Trump announced the operation via his Truth Social platform, declaring that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of Venezuela.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump posted.
“This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow.”
U.S. Attorney-General Pam Bondi later said Maduro and his wife would face prosecution in the United States, adding that they would face “the full wrath of American justice on American soil, in American courts.”
Maduro had been indicted in New York in 2020 during Trump’s first administration.
Reports indicated that the US operation began with overnight strikes in and around Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, forcing authorities to declare a state of national emergency. As of press time, casualty figures and the extent of damage had not yet been officially confirmed.
Venezuela’s government condemned the action as “an extremely serious act of military aggression,” noting that it followed months of heightened tensions, including a US military build-up off its coast, strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, and the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers amid threats of a land invasion.
Guterres subsequently called on all parties to pursue “inclusive dialogue” in line with human rights and international law, as Venezuela formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
*’Watch your back,’ US President warns Colombia
As tensions spread across the region, President Trump also issued a pointed warning to neighbouring Colombia, accusing it of complicity in regional instability and cautioning its leadership to “watch your back.”
The warning, delivered via Trump’s social media platform and echoed by US officials in Washington, was interpreted by analysts as a signal that the United States may increase pressure on countries perceived as sympathetic to Caracas—raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
*Pope urges peace, justice, welfare of Venezuelans
Adding a moral and humanitarian voice to the international response, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged restraint, peace and justice, insisting that the welfare of Venezuelans must take precedence over geopolitical interests and the use of force.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, the first U.S.-born pontiff said, “the welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations.”
He said this should lead to “overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of every person.”
The Pope also called for collective international efforts to rebuild the nation, with “special attention to the poorest who are suffering because of the difficult economic situation.”
Pope Leo’s remarks came a day after President Trump declared that the United States would “run” Venezuela and exploit its oil reserves—comments that have further intensified global criticism and renewed debates over international law, sovereignty and the limits of military intervention.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the acting Presidency to ensure administrative continuity following Maduro’s forced absence, pending further deliberations to safeguard governance and national sovereignty.
As diplomatic shockwaves continue to ripple across continents, analysts warn that the Venezuelan crisis may mark a defining moment for the global order—and a severe test of international law.
