ITUC-Africa condemns the use of military force to detain a leader of a sovereign state together with his wife. This act is an abomination. It is a serious violation of international law. A foreign-engineered coup carried out through military means is an act of war. It undermines sovereignty, self-determination, and peaceful relations between nations.

History shows that unilateral military actions create instability. The precedent set during the administration of George H. W. Bush in Panama remains a warning. Repeating such actions today risks wider conflict and global chaos. These actions are driven by geopolitical and oil interests, not by democracy or human rights. Workers and ordinary people always suffer the consequences.

Africa knows the damage caused by external interference. ITUC-Africa calls on the United Nations to address this aggression fully and without double standards.

We stand with the workers of Venezuela.

Issued on this 3rd day of January 2026 in Lomé, Togo

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa