Africa’s cautious response to US capture of Venezuela’s president
Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse in New York City on January 5, 2026.
The January 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US security forces has triggered a rare but pointed response from African governments, reviving long-standing concerns about sovereignty, the limits of international law and the use of force beyond borders.
While much of the global reaction has focused on the legality of arresting a sitting head of State, Africa’s response has been notable for its mix of caution and criticism.
