MBABANE:His Excellency Lieutenant General Ian Khama, the former Botswana President has warned against abuse of power by powerful countries who use military powers to grab resources belonging to smaller Nations.
Speaking to this Swaziland News in an exclusive interview on Thursday, the former President said even though Nicolas Maduro was an illegitimate President after rigging elections, the United States invasion of Venezuela was not about Maduro’s alleged involvement in drugs smuggling or terrorism but, the US “wants access to Venezuelan oil”.
“The issue of Maduro and his wife being wanted for narco terrorixm is a smoke screen for the real purpose of removing them, and that is to have full access to Venezuela oil which the administration has openly admitted. This on top of the criminal act of aggression in Venezuela, casts a very dark shadow over the fact that powerful countries can flex their military muscle to conquer smaller Nations to rape their resources and/or impose their will. Examples are Russia and Israel as well. Democracy is sacrificed to achieve this,” he said.
On another note, the former President said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado who won the last elections in Venezuela and the 2025 Noble Peace Prize, has been sidelined by President Trump who desperately wanted to win the Noble Peace Prize.
“Like in Venezuela, Maria Machado who won the last election and also the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has been sidelined by Trump despite her being the legitimate winner in that election. Being sidelined only because she won the prize Trump desperately wanted. However FIFA embarrassingly gave Trump an unknown Peace Prize that Trump took no time in demonstrating that he was the least person qualified to be considered for such. And FIFA now looks very foolish for their poor judgement, we are in an era of Might is Right”, said the former Botswana President.
Former Botswana President Ian Khama (via Pampazuka News).