- Zimbabwe has refrained from directly condemning the recent United States military operation in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
- The nation’s diplomatic approach is guided by the collective positions of multilateral organizations to which it belongs.
- Presidential spokesperson George Charamba indicated Zimbabwe aligns with pronouncements from international bodies like the UN and African Union.
- The US operation, carried out last Saturday, involved armed assaults on civilian and military targets in Caracas.
Zimbabwe’s decision to avoid a direct rebuke of Washington’s actions in Venezuela marks a cautious diplomatic strategy amidst widespread international criticism. While several countries, including neighboring South Africa, have openly condemned the US operation as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, Harare has opted for a more measured response. This stance positions Zimbabwe within the framework of global and continental bodies, prioritizing multilateral consensus over unilateral statements.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba clarified on social media platform X that Zimbabwe is a party to the pronouncements issued by these international organizations. These bodies, including the United Nations, the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, the African Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement, have collectively condemned the US military action. Their statements emphasize the violation of the UN Charter and international law, advocating for respect for state sovereignty and established global norms.
Timeline
- **January 7, 2026, Evening:** Bulawayo24 News reports Zimbabwe’s cautious diplomatic approach to the US military operation in Venezuela.
- **January 7, 2026, Earlier:** Presidential spokesperson George Charamba clarifies Zimbabwe’s alignment with African Union’s stance on the US action.
- **Last Saturday (prior to Jan 7, 2026):** US special forces conduct military operation in Venezuela, leading to the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Players
- **Zimbabwean Government:** Currently maintaining a cautious diplomatic stance.
- **George Charamba:** Presidential spokesperson, articulated Zimbabwe’s position.
- **United States:** Carried out military operation in Venezuela.
- **Nicolás Maduro:** Venezuelan President, reportedly captured in the US operation.
- **African Union (AU):** Issued statements condemning the US action, aligned with Zimbabwe’s position.
