Lagos: An international relations expert, Femi Ojumu, has raised concerns over the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, which included the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, stating that it undermines the United Nations Charter and its foundational principles. Ojumu shared these insights during a roundtable discussion on the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the U.S. special forces carried out an invasion in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on January 3, resulting in the abduction of Maduro and his wife due to alleged drug offenses. Ojumu, who serves as the Principal Partner at Balliol Myers, LP, highlighted that this development poses significant risks to global security and sets a dangerous precedent.
Ojumu emphasized the importance of adhering to the UN’s core principles, which are rooted in the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia. This treaty advocates for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, and diplomacy as the pillars of global order. He noted that these principles are integral to the UN Charter of 1945 and are essential for maintaining international relations.
He specifically pointed out Articles 1, 2, and 51 of the UN Charter as crucial to global peace and security, especially highlighting Article 2 on sovereign equality as fundamental to modern international relations. Ojumu argued that the U.S. invasion violated these provisions, noting that the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference were disregarded in the U.S.-Venezuela situation.
Ojumu also questioned the application of Article 51 regarding collective self-defense, expressing skepticism about what the U.S. was defending. He criticized the frequent invocation of the ‘responsibility to protect’ doctrine by powerful states, noting its lack of legitimacy without explicit UN Security Council authorization.
Ojumu criticized U.S. foreign policy, which he described as driven by exceptionalism and unipolarism, arguing that it undermines the established global order based on rules. He warned that the actions of the United States, behaving as if it were above international law, create a dangerous precedent for global affairs.
In addressing strategic options for the United Nations, Ojumu called for reform and democratization of the UN Security Council, advocating for a review of permanent membership and veto powers. He suggested that such changes, while not a complete solution, would signal the need for lasting change.
Ojumu also recommended a rejection of forceful and expansionist approaches by the UN, advocating for people-centered, transparent, and inclusive leadership within sovereign states. He argued that such governance reduces the likelihood of external intervention.
While not justifying invasion, Ojumu emphasized that responsible, democratic, and inclusive leadership decreases the probability of foreign aggression. He criticized the U.S. actions in Venezuela, accusing it of acting as abductor, detainer, prosecutor, judge, and jury, thus violating legal principles.
Ojumu called for clearer legal definitions regarding when the duty to act or responsibility to protect can be invoked under international law, aiming to prevent abuse. He stressed the importance of upholding sovereignty and self-determination, asserting that each nation should pursue its own path without colonial constraints. Furthermore, he advocated for the freedom of UN member states to choose alternative economic models and alliances, emphasizing that capitalism is merely one option and not an obligation.