US attack on Venezuela an erosion of intl law, African experts say

The US military attack on Venezuela is highlighting what African policy experts described as a troubling erosion of international law, as unilateral actions against the country raise concerns that the use of force outside United Nations frameworks is resurfacing as a tool of global politics, with serious implications for resource-rich yet institutionally fragile states in Africa.

African experts said the issue extends beyond one country's fate, touching on the future of a global legal order meant to protect sovereignty, prevent coercion and ensure that international disputes are resolved through dialogue rather than force.

Melha Rout Biel, executive director of the Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies in South Sudan, said the unfolding situation marks a troubling shift away from a rule-based international order, warning that actions taken outside the UN Charter risk normalising coercive intervention and setting a precedent that could threaten sovereignty across Africa and other resource-rich regions.

"You cannot remove or prosecute a sitting president under another country's jurisdiction and still claim respect for international law," Biel said.

"Such actions undermine global norms and signal a return to coercive power politics rather than rule-based international relations."

Biel warned that if unilateral intervention becomes normalized, vulnerable states—especially those rich in oil, minerals and strategic resources—could increasingly face external pressure disguised as legal or security measures.

"This is not limited to Venezuela," he said.

"Africa and parts of Asia face similar risks. If the international community allows power to replace law, then sovereignty becomes conditional, not guaranteed."

Olusoji Ajao, founder and executive director of Afrocentric Masterclass in Nigeria — a company that focuses on African culture, history, and perspectives, said that external intervention cannot bring in peace and stability.

"Intervention that bypasses multilateral institutions rarely strengthens governance," Ajao said.

"Instead, it weakens institutions, harms civilians and prolongs instability."

He cautioned that sanctions and coercive measures often fail to produce political solutions while imposing heavy social and economic costs on ordinary citizens.

"History shows that these approaches tend to fracture societies rather than reform them," Ajao said.

The experts said the Venezuelan situation resonates strongly on the African continent, where several countries have faced sanctions or external pressure with limited positive outcomes.

Biel said Africa's experience shows that externally driven solutions often overlook local realities and undermine long-term stability.

"Political problems require political solutions rooted in dialogue and consent," he said.

"Force and coercion only delay reconciliation."

Ajao said strengthening domestic institutions remains essential, but should not be used as a justification for external interference.

"Reform must come from within, supported by international cooperation — not imposed through unilateral action," he said.

He urged African countries to take a unified stance in defence of sovereignty and multilateralism.

"During the Cold War, Africa was often used as a battleground for competing powers and gained very little," Ajao said.

"This time, Africa must insist on one voice, one position, and strict respect for international law."

As Venezuela's crisis continues to unfold, African voices emphasize the need for solutions rooted in dialogue, respect for sovereignty and strengthened domestic institutions — lest the continent face similar dilemmas in an ever more complex global landscape.

African leaders and political groups expressed alarm over the United States' military action, calling for restraint, while warning of wider global repercussions.

The African Union in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Venezuela's internal challenges can only be addressed sustainably through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves, it said.

South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Liberia, Ghana, Namibia among others have called on international bodies to act swiftly to uphold the UN Charter, protect Venezuela's sovereignty and prevent an escalation threatening regional and global peace.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com