Venezuela: NIIA, Foreign Policy Experts Condemn US Strike and Capture of President Maduro

The outrage surrounding the recent United States military action in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro has continued to intensify across diplomatic and academic circles. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), alongside several respected foreign policy authorities, has openly criticized the move, describing it as a troubling example of rising imperial influence by dominant global powers and a threat to international stability.

According to the experts, the action allegedly approved under the administration of former US President Donald Trump raises serious questions about the future of global order and respect for international norms. They warned that such unilateral interventions weaken the foundations of global peace and could encourage similar actions by other powerful states.

These concerns were expressed during a Special Roundtable Discussion organized by the NIIA, titled “Matters Arising from US Interventions in Venezuela.” The forum focused specifically on the implications of the reported US invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro.

Among the notable participants were Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the NIIA; Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the Institute; Professor Adele Jinadu, a Political Science scholar and Non-Resident Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Dr. Femi Otubanjo, Research Professor at NIIA; and Mr. Remi Ajibewa, a former Director of Political Affairs at ECOWAS.

Other contributors to the dialogue included Ambassador Joe Keshi, a former Permanent Secretary at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Rita Agu of the NIIA; international policy expert Femi Ojumu; foreign affairs analyst Kayode Komolafe; and public policy commentator Magnus Onyibe.

Collectively, the experts criticized what they described as the promotion of the ideology that “might is right.” They cautioned that such a mindset could establish a dangerous international precedent, where powerful nations feel justified in violating the sovereignty of weaker states. According to them, this could encourage other influential countries such as China, Russia, or North Korea to adopt similar approaches in resolving international disputes.

The speakers strongly emphasized the need for strict adherence to international law, particularly principles relating to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states. They argued that ignoring these principles could destabilize global diplomatic relations and undermine international institutions.

Despite their criticism, the experts acknowledged that the situation also offers important lessons, especially for developing nations and African countries. They stressed the need for governments to manage internal affairs responsibly, prioritize the welfare of citizens, and institutionalize good governance practices. According to them, strong internal systems remain essential for protecting national sovereignty in an increasingly aggressive global environment.

“We Are All at Risk” — NIIA Director-General

Leading the discussion, Professor Eghosa Osaghae questioned whether the events in Venezuela represented a modern version of imperialism. He warned that countries in the Global South, particularly those in Africa, could be vulnerable to similar interventions if global power dynamics continue on this path.

Osaghae dismissed the belief that physical distance or geographic location offers protection from such actions. He argued that imperial influence does not depend solely on proximity, noting that interventionist policies can affect nations regardless of their location.