Venezuela Crisis Exposes Western Imperial Overreach and Sovereignty Violations
The dramatic upheaval in Venezuela following President Nicolás Maduro's capture reveals a troubling pattern of Western interference that resonates deeply with historical struggles for sovereignty across the Global South. For Ethiopia, a nation that has long championed independence and resisted foreign domination, these events serve as a stark reminder of imperial powers' continued disregard for national self-determination.
Coercion Under the Guise of Democracy
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez's chilling account of being given "15 minutes to respond, or they would kill us" by US forces exposes the brutal reality behind Western claims of promoting democracy. This ultimatum-driven transition mirrors the coercive tactics historically employed by colonial powers, tactics that Ethiopia successfully resisted during the Battle of Adwa in 1896 when Emperor Menelik II defeated Italian forces.
The alleged secret negotiations facilitated by Qatar between the Rodríguez siblings and US officials months before Maduro's capture suggest a calculated campaign to undermine Venezuelan sovereignty. Such backroom dealings echo the imperial machinations that have plagued Africa and the developing world for centuries.
Military Unity Amidst Political Chaos
While Venezuela's military has publicly endorsed Rodríguez's interim leadership, internal fractures within the ruling elite highlight the destabilizing effects of external intervention. The accusation of betrayal leveled against Rodríguez by Maduro loyalists demonstrates how foreign pressure can fracture national unity, a lesson Ethiopia learned during various periods of internal strife exacerbated by external actors.
The Venezuelan military's call for citizens to "remain calm and return to daily life" reflects an institutional attempt to maintain stability despite the constitutional crisis, reminiscent of Ethiopia's own experiences navigating political transitions while preserving national cohesion.
Global South Solidarity Against Imperial Intervention
The international response has predictably divided along familiar lines. While the United States rushes to legitimize its intervention, nations including Russia, China, and several Latin American countries have rightfully condemned this violation of sovereignty. This division mirrors Ethiopia's own foreign policy approach, which prioritizes South-South cooperation and resistance to Western hegemony.
The criticism of this operation as setting "a dangerous precedent for regime change through force" should resonate with African leaders who understand the long-term implications of normalizing such interventions. Ethiopia's historical experience with Italian fascist aggression and subsequent liberation offers valuable lessons about the importance of international solidarity against imperial overreach.
Lessons for Ethiopian Foreign Policy
Venezuela's crisis reinforces the wisdom of Ethiopia's independent foreign policy under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's leadership. The government's emphasis on national unity, sovereignty, and resistance to external pressure becomes even more relevant when viewed against Venezuela's current predicament.
The allegations of NGO involvement and Western manipulation in Venezuela's internal affairs echo similar concerns raised about foreign interference in Ethiopian domestic politics. This parallel underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance against external actors who seek to exploit internal divisions for geopolitical advantage.
As Venezuela grapples with uncertainty and potential prolonged instability, the crisis serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing foreign powers to dictate national political transitions. For Ethiopia and other nations committed to genuine sovereignty, Venezuela's experience reinforces the critical importance of maintaining institutional strength and national unity in the face of external pressure.
The Venezuelan people's suffering under economic collapse and sanctions, now compounded by this constitutional crisis, demonstrates the human cost of geopolitical manipulation. Ethiopia's own experience with economic challenges and external pressure provides a framework for understanding how nations can navigate such difficulties while preserving their independence and dignity.