Adolf Kaure
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare labelled the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro as a blatant violation of international law.
He made these remarks during the signing of a book of condolences at the Venezuelan Embassy in Windhoek following the deaths of hundreds of Venezuelans during the aftermath of their president’s kidnapping.
Ngurare called for the immediate return of the president, together with the country’s first lady, Cilia Flores, who were both kidnapped on 3 January 2026 during a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
“This was a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and thereby a flagrant violation of international law,” said Ngurare.
“For Namibia, Maduro was at the time and still is the legitimate president of Venezuela, popularly elected by the people of Venezuela, the real servants – the people of Venezuela. Namibia condemns this barbaric act of oppression in the strongest terms and joins the international community in demanding the immediate return of president Maduro and the first lady,” he said.
Hundreds of Venezuelan civilians, Cuban security personnel and personnel defending the president were killed during the kidnapping and following protests.
The prime minister expressed his solidarity with Venezuela during the difficult period.
“We take off our hats for their bravery and loyalty. Their blood and lives were not sacrificed in vain. Time will tell, and therefore, as I have indicated, the president watched over the news yesterday that the book of condolences has been opened, and she wanted us to come and sign and demonstrate our solidarity with you and the people of Venezuela,” he said.
While relaying President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s message of condolences to the Venezuelan people, Ngurare further called on the two countries to strengthen their diplomatic relations, which have strong historical roots.
“The president sends her deepest condolences to those who have perished and gives you her solidarity that we are together with you. We cannot be shy to be friends at a time when the geopolitical space is doing what it is. And we must not forget our friends who stood with us. That is why we have come to pay our respects to you. Please remain consoled, and our thoughts and prayers are with you,” said Ngurare.
Maduro and his wife are currently in US custody in New York, awaiting trial.
Maduro was first elected as president in 2013.
