Amanze Chinonye
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on Wednesday, the Norwegian Nobel Institute confirmed, citing that her current whereabouts are unknown.
Prime Business Africa reports that the development has drawn global attention, given Machado’s status as one of Venezuela’s most prominent opposition figures.
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Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Nobel Institute, said Machado is “unfortunately not in Norway and will not stand on stage when the ceremony starts.” A planned press conference for the laureate was also cancelled after the institute reported it had no information on when or how she might arrive in Oslo.
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Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” has been living under a decade-long travel ban imposed by the government of Nicolás Maduro. She went into hiding in August 2024 after being barred from participating in Venezuela’s presidential election.
Machado, head of the opposition party Vente Venezuela, has been a prominent critic of Venezuela’s authoritarian regime for more than two decades. She co-founded the civil association Sumate in 2002, advocating for a referendum to recall then-President Hugo Chávez, which drew threats and accusations of treason against her. Over the years, she has campaigned for transparent democracy, free elections, and liberal economic reforms, making her one of Venezuela most visible opposition figures.
Her absence from the ceremony is a direct result of the Maduro government’s travel ban. After being barred from participating in the presidential election despite winning her party’s primary, Machado went into hiding due to escalating threats to her life and freedom. Many of her campaign aides were arrested or forced to flee abroad, illustrating the risks faced by dissenters in the country.
Because of ongoing legal and security constraints, Machado’s journey to Norway has become practically impossible. The Nobel Institute acknowledged that she described traveling to Oslo as “very difficult.”
In her absence, Machado’s daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, will receive the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf and deliver the laureate lecture. The Nobel Institute emphasized that Machado’s absence does not affect her status as the official recipient of the award.
Prime Business Africa notes that the ceremony highlights the ongoing challenges faced by opposition figures in Venezuela, including travel restrictions, legal harassment, and suppression of political dissent.
Observers say Machado’s absence underscores the stark contrast between international recognition of her work and the practical obstacles imposed by the Maduro government.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
