Addis Ababa / New York, 3 January 2026 — The African Union (AU) and the United Nations have voiced significant worries over the deteriorating political and security atmosphere in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
In a statement issued on Saturday from its Addis Ababa headquarters, the African Union indicated that it is keenly monitoring reports regarding the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and military assaults on vital state institutions in Venezuela.
Africa's regional body highlighted the importance of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination, as outlined in the United Nations Charter. The organisation stressed that diplomacy should take precedence over military action and underscored the necessity of dialogue, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks.
“The complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves,” the AU stated, while expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people and urging all parties to exercise restraint and responsibility to prevent further escalation.
Consequently, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, cautioned that the events in Venezuela could strain regional stability and potentially undermine established norms in international relations.
The UN leader underscored the critical need for strict adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter, expressing worry that frameworks designed to ensure peaceful coexistence among countries are being strained. He urged all involved parties to prioritise inclusive dialogue, uphold human rights, and respect the rule of law, as these are vital foundations for long-term stability.
"The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law," said Dujarric in a statement.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to develop, both the African Union and the United Nations have reiterated their calls for calm, restraint, and dialogue, warning that further escalation could exacerbate the crisis and threaten wider regional peace and stability.
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, along with his wife Cilia Flores, has been captured and detained in the US on charges related to drugs and weapons.
The media reported that the US president claimed that the United States will govern Venezuela, including its oil facilities. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reportedly declared that his government is prepared "to defend" the nation while denouncing external "armed aggression."
