The Akbayan Party has issued a powerful condemnation of a recent military offensive by the United States against Venezuela, denouncing it as an illegal act of aggression that tramples on the nation's sovereignty. The statement, released on January 6, 2026, responds to what it describes as a unilateral attack ordered by the Donald Trump regime, which included the removal of Venezuela's top leader.
A Direct Assault on Sovereignty and International Law
Akbayan labels the military action a direct assault on Venezuela's right to self-determination and a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter. The condemnation intensified following Trump's declaration that his administration would now "run" Venezuela and seize control of its vast oil reserves. The party asserts that such pronouncements transform the operation from a military strike into a total invasion and resource plunder of a sovereign state.
To justify the attack, the US cited self-defense and the goal of supporting democratic regime change for the Venezuelan people. However, Akbayan firmly rejects this justification. The party argues that the aggression will not advance democracy but will instead deepen regional instability and encourage a dangerous culture of impunity among powerful nations.
Change Must Come from Within, Not by Force
The statement acknowledges the well-documented challenges within Venezuela, including allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro. While recognizing these serious concerns, Akbayan emphasizes a core principle: the means and direction of change in Venezuela must be decided by the Venezuelan people themselves, not by an external power like the United States.
"The proper role of democracy-respecting countries is to stand in solidarity with oppressed peoples as they struggle for justice, freedom, and democracy on their own terms," the party stated. It characterized the imposition of will by a stronger nation as an act of tyranny, not democracy.
Calls to Action and Solidarity
In light of these events, Akbayan has made several urgent calls:
- It stands in firm solidarity with the people of Venezuela in their fight for justice, freedom, human rights, sovereignty, and genuine democracy.
- It demands the Trump regime abandon all plans to illegally administer Venezuela, cease hostile actions, and withdraw all US military forces and assets from the country and the wider region.
- It calls on the American working people to oppose Trump's actions, noting he betrayed his promise to end wars, and to join the global community in condemning the attack.
The party warns that this attack sets a perilous precedent, ushering in a new world order where geopolitical disputes are settled by brute force rather than through international law and multilateral institutions.
