Arrogance and Imperialism
By Nkosana Khumalo
Johannesburg, South Africa –
As reports of United States military strikes on Venezuela and the alleged capture of President Nicolás Maduro continue to unfold, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a scathing condemnation of the actions.
In a statement released on January 3, 2026, the party lambasted President Donald Trump’s “boastful and reckless rhetoric,” accusing him of exposing the “arrogance and impunity” of the U.S. in dealing with sovereign nations.
For everyday South Africans who have long championed anti-imperialist causes, this response feels like a familiar stand against what many see as bullying by powerful countries.
The EFF’s words highlight how Trump’s public celebration of the attack, including crude references to Venezuela’s natural resources, reflects a mindset where “military force replaces diplomacy and domination replaces cooperation.”
This criticism comes amid global outrage over the strikes, which targeted military sites in Caracas and nearby areas, causing explosions, blackouts, and chaos.
As families in Venezuela face uncertainty and fear of further violence, the EFF’s statement echoes the sentiments of many in the Global South who view such interventions as a continuation of “the history of the United States’ imperial posture toward resource-rich nations.”
In a year that began with hopes for peace, this event has sparked debates on sovereignty and the role of major powers, leaving people in nations like South Africa reflecting on our own past struggles against external dominance.
With oil prices spiking and humanitarian concerns growing, the EFF’s call-out adds to the chorus demanding respect for international law and an end to hegemonic acts.
The strikes, which began in the early hours of January 3, 2026, have drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across Latin America and beyond, turning a regional crisis into a potential flashpoint for global tensions.
As diplomatic fallout intensifies, the EFF’s response positions South Africa firmly on the side of anti-imperialism.
The EFF’s Strong Statement: A Direct Hit at U.S. Actions
The EFF did not hold back in their critique, focusing on Trump’s handling of the situation.
They described his rhetoric as “boastful and reckless,” particularly his public celebration of the attack and references to Venezuela’s natural resources.
According to the party, this “exposes the arrogance and impunity with which the United States acts when it believes itself above international law.”
The statement goes on to say that Trump’s conduct “reflects a worldview in which military force replaces diplomacy and domination replaces cooperation, continuing the history of the United States’ imperial posture toward resource-rich nations of the Global South.”
This language ties into the EFF’s long-standing ideology of fighting against imperialism and advocating for the sovereignty of nations in the developing world.
For South Africans familiar with the party’s positions, it aligns with their criticism of Western interventions in Africa and elsewhere.
The EFF sees the U.S. strikes as part of a pattern where powerful nations use force to control resources, much like historical colonial exploits.
Details of the U.S. Strikes: Chaos in Caracas
The U.S. operation began around 2:00 a.m. local time, with residents in Caracas reporting at least seven powerful explosions that shook buildings and caused widespread blackouts.
Low-flying aircraft were heard overhead, adding to the panic as people rushed to check on loved ones.
Smoke rose from key military sites like Fort Tiuna, a major base in the capital, and La Carlota airport, suggesting the strikes were precise and aimed at weakening Maduro’s defences.
Similar blasts were reported in nearby states like Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, spreading fear beyond the capital. Witnesses described scenes of confusion, with sirens blaring and emergency services struggling to respond amid power outages.
While no immediate civilian deaths were confirmed, the attacks disrupted daily life, leaving hospitals on generators and homes in darkness.
For families already facing economic shortages, this added a layer of terror, with many fearing more strikes could follow.
This hybrid assault – airstrikes with possible ground elements – avoided a full invasion but risked escalation.
U.S. officials tied it to accusations against Maduro for drug trafficking and allowing criminal gangs to thrive, claims Venezuela rejects as pretexts for regime change.
Maduro’s Response: Defiance and National Emergency
In a televised address from an undisclosed location, President Nicolás Maduro denounced the strikes as “military aggression” and “imperialist barbarism.” He denied being captured, calling Trump’s claims “fake news” designed to sow confusion.
Maduro declared a national emergency, mobilising the military and urging citizens to defend the homeland.
“We will not surrender,” he vowed, accusing the U.S. of seeking Venezuela’s vast oil reserves – the world’s largest – under the guise of fighting crime.
His government reported activating air defences and repelling attacks, though details are sparse.
Street fighting in Caracas suggests clashes between loyalists and possible U.S.-backed elements, adding to the turmoil. Maduro’s defiance rallies his base but exposes divisions, with some officials reportedly fleeing amid the chaos.
This response fits Maduro’s pattern of standing firm against U.S. pressure, as seen in his 2019 survival of a U.S.-backed opposition challenge. With allies like Russia and China, he may seek diplomatic or military support to counter the strikes.
Global Outcry: Condemnation from Allies and Neighbours
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the strikes as crossing “an unacceptable line,” calling for an emergency summit.
Colombia’s Gustavo Petro slammed “bombing Caracas,” while Mexico and others echoed restraint, fearing refugee waves and instability.
Russia and China, key Maduro backers, vowed support, labelling the actions aggression.
The UN warned of humanitarian fallout in a country where 80 percent live in poverty. Oil prices jumped 5 percent, impacting global markets and importers like South Africa with higher fuel costs.
This collective backlash could strain U.S. relations in Latin America, where anti-imperialist sentiments run deep.
The Organization of American States (OAS) may convene, but divisions between pro- and anti-Maduro nations complicate responses.
Economic and Humanitarian Fallout: Strains on Venezuela
Venezuela’s oil-reliant economy faces immediate hits from damaged infrastructure.
With production at 800,000 barrels daily in 2025, disruptions could worsen shortages of food and medicine. Blackouts from the strikes have left hospitals struggling, while street fighting risks civilian lives.
The humanitarian crisis deepens – over 7 million Venezuelans have fled since 2014, and more could follow if conflict escalates. Neighbouring countries like Brazil and Colombia brace for influxes, straining resources.
Globally, the oil price spike of 5 percent adds pressure on economies, with South Africa feeling the pinch at petrol pumps where costs could rise by 50 cents per litre.
Path Forward: Calls for De-Escalation and Diplomacy
As the situation unfolds, mediation efforts are crucial. Lula’s push for a summit could bring regional leaders together to seek peace. The UN and OAS have urged restraint, warning of broader instability.
For Trump, this tests his “America First” policy, risking entanglement in Latin America. Maduro’s defiance suggests prolonged resistance, potentially drawing in allies like Russia and China.
For 2026, this could define US foreign policy in the region, with hopes for dialogue over force. Venezuelans hope for calm, but with troops mobilised, uncertainty looms.
In a connected world, this affects all – from energy costs to humanitarian needs – calling for wisdom in leadership to avoid a wider war.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube