By Mercy Mutheu , Rongo University
The recent action by the U.S. president to capture Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro is both absurd and a blatant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law. On Monday, Maduro and his wife were brought before a court in New York, facing charges of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and related offenses. At first glance, Trump’s move may appear to be a regime-change strategy aimed at improving the lives of Venezuelans by removing corrupt leadership. Yet, history shows his interventions are rarely motivated by democracy or accountability; instead, they are rooted in securing strategic resources and enforcing geopolitical dominance.
Targeting Maduro under the guise of criminal charges seems less about justice and more about a calculated plan. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has consistently resisted U.S. economic and political influence. Frustrated, Trump resorted to coercive tactics to eliminate Maduro, his primary obstacle to controlling those reserves. The arrest sparked violence, leaving at least 40 civilians and Venezuelan citizens dead – a chilling attempt to intimidate and suppress dissent.
This decision-making poses a broader threat to independent nations, particularly African states, which have long been marginalized and ridiculed instead of treated as equals. Since his second term, Trump’s administration has destabilized African nations politically and economically, undermining their overall well-being.
Upon assuming office, Trump ordered the deportation of nationals holding temporary visas, an action challenged as unconstitutional. These abrupt deportations disrupted families and careers. Workers lost jobs before contracts expired, forcing them into distressing searches for new employment. Families were torn apart when spouses with differing immigration statuses were separated, leaving children behind. Such breaches of contractual agreements reveal a disregard for institutions like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), undermining trust and respect.
Further, Trump imposed travel bans on several African countries, including Chad and Somalia, despite U.S. military presence in those regions. Ironically, while U.S. corporations operate freely in Africa and American citizens enjoy visa-free or easy entry into many African nations, Africans face restrictions. This hypocrisy not only damages economies on both sides but also strains diplomatic relations.
The administration also proposed deep cuts to foreign aid in African states, with devastating consequences. Reductions in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding terminated projects worth billions, crippling health and development sectors. Essential services such as HIV treatment, malaria prevention, and maternal care were disrupted, leading to rising mortality rates. Vulnerable populations, including children, were left without adequate nutrition.
Such actions jeopardize U.S. relations with other nations and raise serious questions about the role of international law. If a leader can arrest another sovereign head under accusations of crime while manipulating politics and resources, what is the purpose of international law? The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against sovereign states unless in self-defense or authorized by the Security Council. Leaders must allow proper authorities to handle cases of criminal misconduct rather than exploiting them for personal gain.
Trump must reconsider his approach toward African leaders, treating them as partners rather than subordinates. He needs Africa as much as Africa needs him. The era of colonial domination is long gone; respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law are essential. International law must hold accountable those who abuse power, regardless of their influence. No leader is above the law.
For diplomacy to thrive, mutual respect among states is vital. Diplomatic equality between the U.S. and other nations will foster social, political, and economic growth.
