An African legal expert has denounced a recent United States military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, calling it a breach of international law. The incident, which unfolded this week, has sparked global debate over sovereignty and foreign intervention.
Patrick Kadima, an international law specialist at Wits University, emphasized that such actions violate established norms unless conducted through lawful channels. "If there was a forcible seizure of Nicolas Maduro, then it\'s a violation of international law," Kadima stated during an interview with CGTN Africa. He further questioned the legitimacy of the operation, asking: "Was the negotiation with Maduro himself, or with the state of Venezuela? These scenarios carry vastly different legal implications."
The expert\'s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Latin America, with regional leaders calling for emergency discussions at the United Nations. Analysts suggest the operation could reshape diplomatic ties between the US and oil-producing nations in 2026.
