On January 3, U.S. forces launched a military attack on Venezuela in what several governments and international actors have described as a blatant violation of international law and an assault on the sovereignty of the Latin American nation.
According to Venezuelan authorities, the attack resulted in the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, dramatically escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington and raising alarm across the Global South.
In the wake of the unfolding crisis, UG Diplomat reached out to Venezuela’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Fatima Fernandes, to seek clarity on the situation inside the country, the constitutional status of the Venezuelan government, and Caracas’ demands to the international community.
Interview | Venezuela’s Ambassador to Uganda Speaks to UG Diplomat
UG Diplomat: Your Excellency, what is the current position of the Venezuelan government regarding President Nicolás Maduro?
Ambassador: The Venezuelan government maintains that President Nicolás Maduro and the First Lady, Cilia Flores, were forcibly taken by the United States administration following a military attack against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We consider this an act of kidnapping and a serious violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law.
UG Diplomat: How does Venezuela view the international implications of this action?
Ambassador: The kidnapping of a sitting Head of State is an extremely dangerous precedent. It threatens not only regional stability in Latin America but also global peace and security. This is why we believe the entire international community and peoples of the world must strongly condemn such actions.
UG Diplomat: Some reports suggest a power vacuum in Caracas. How do you respond?
Ambassador: There is no power vacuum. President Maduro has not resigned, he has not been incapacitated, and he has not been removed from office by any legitimate authority recognized by the Venezuelan people. Venezuela has strong, functioning institutions grounded in the rule of law.
UG Diplomat: Can you clarify the constitutional position of the Venezuelan state?
Ambassador: Venezuela is governed under its National Constitution, drafted and approved by the Venezuelan people in 1999. This constitution clearly defines the institutional framework of the Republic. All branches of the state remain intact and operational within the country, working in unity with the people.
UG Diplomat: What role is the judiciary playing in this situation?
Ambassador: The Supreme Court of Justice has formally stated, in accordance with the constitution, that Nicolás Maduro Moros remains the legitimate President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. To ensure administrative continuity and national defense, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed Acting President.
UG Diplomat: What is Venezuela demanding from the international community?
Ambassador: From Venezuela, we demand the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro, who is recognized by the Venezuelan people and all constitutional institutions of the state, as well as the release of the First Lady, Cilia Flores.
UG Diplomat: Finally, what message would you like to convey about the situation on the ground in Venezuela?
Ambassador: The Venezuelan people remain calm and united. They stand firmly with President Maduro and the Bolivarian Government, committed to defending their sovereignty, independence, and constitutional order.
