At the recent Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Colombia, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva passionately critiqued what he termed a resurgence of colonial attitudes toward developing nations. His remarks, while centered around historical and contemporary interventions by powerful countries, particularly highlighted the need for solidarity among nations that have historically been marginalized. This call to action resonates as the world faces increasing geopolitical tensions and the urgent need for a united front against coercive practices.
During the recent summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Colombia, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed strong criticism of the perceived revival of colonial mindsets toward developing nations. Although Lula refrained from directly naming United States President Donald Trump, he alluded to the actions of the Trump administration, such as the controversial abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the ongoing fuel blockade against Cuba.
“It’s not possible for someone to think that they own other countries,” Lula stated, emphasizing his concerns over U.S. policies towards Cuba and Venezuela, questioning the democratic nature of such actions. His remarks come during a crucial time when the region grapples with historical patterns of exploitation and intervention by foreign powers.
Lula pointed out that countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have endured extensive resource extraction over the centuries, including gold, silver, and minerals. “After taking everything we had, now they want to own the critical minerals and rare earths that we have,” he remarked, suggesting that the same colonial ambitions linger today, albeit in a new guise. Additionally, he condemned the ongoing military actions launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, connecting the current situation to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was justified under the false pretext of acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
“Where are Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons?” he challenged, expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for such unfounded wars. Lula’s remarks extend beyond contemporary conflicts, as he highlighted a broader pattern of intervention that the United States has maintained for over two centuries, which has far-reaching implications for both Latin America and the entire global community.
In his critique of the United Nations, Lula called attention to its failures to prevent ongoing conflicts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. He reaffirmed his belief in the necessity of reformation within the UN Security Council, which has demonstrated an incapacity to maintain international peace and security, primarily due to the veto powers of its permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, also present at the summit, echoed Lula’s sentiments regarding the UN’s ineffectiveness. He lamented, “The UN is acting in impotence… and yet, what we have today is war.” Despite their frustration, both leaders acknowledged the UN’s importance in addressing issues like climate change, which requires collective action to confront future challenges.
The summit itself saw a modest turnout of presidents from Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the deep divisions and varying political climates throughout the region. Attendees included leaders such as the presidents of Brazil, Uruguay, Burundi, and Colombia, as well as prime ministers from Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, alongside deputy ministers, foreign ministers, and ambassadors. The gathering served as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing developing nations in the current global landscape.
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