Nicholas Maduro. Photo/Courtesy
Former Ugandan military general David Sejusa has warned that African countries remain militarily vulnerable in the wake of the recent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro by U.S. forces.
Sejusa emphasized that only nations with nuclear capabilities can realistically deter American military interventions.
Speaking on X, Sejusa argued that no country or regional bloc outside nuclear-armed states possesses the capacity to challenge U.S. hegemony.
He noted that even countries in Latin America, Greenland, or Canada lack the means to resist such interventions, leaving them effectively at the mercy of American strategic interests.
“Only the unity of the continent and acquiring nuclear capability can save the black person,” Sejusa said, cautioning that local militaries, despite their efforts, serve primarily to manage minor regional threats rather than confront global powers.
He criticized African leaders for prioritizing visible military expansion while remaining subordinate to external powers, describing these measures as “kwala-kwala vibe”—symbolic gestures without real strategic impact.
Sejusa’s comments highlight long-standing concerns about Africa’s capacity to safeguard sovereignty in an era of global power asymmetry.
He framed the situation in Venezuela as a stark reminder of the consequences when nations rely on conventional military strength alone.
Political analysts say Sejusa’s remarks may reignite debates on continental security and strategic alliances, particularly regarding discussions around nuclear technology and regional cooperation.
While acquiring nuclear capabilities is fraught with legal, technical, and diplomatic challenges, Sejusa underscores it as the only credible deterrent against what he described as “imperial” interventions.
The general’s message underscores a broader argument: Africa’s fragmented security apparatus and reliance on conventional forces leave the continent exposed to external pressure, making political and military unity a crucial factor for long-term sovereignty.
Sejusa concluded by urging African nations to critically assess their defense strategies, warning that symbolic military displays alone will not protect the continent from global power dynamics.