The Government of the Republic of South Africa has expressed grave concern following reports confirmed by the United States that it has carried out what it describes as a “large-scale military strike” against Venezuela. According to these reports, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured alongside his wife and forcibly removed from the country.
South Africa views these developments as deeply troubling and fundamentally incompatible with international law. In a firm statement, the government emphasised that such actions represent a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which obliges all Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign nation.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa
The UN Charter is explicit in its rejection of external military intervention in matters that fall within the domestic jurisdiction of a state. South Africa underlined that no provision of the Charter authorises unilateral military action aimed at regime change or the forcible removal of a country’s leadership. Such conduct, it argued, undermines the very foundations of the international system established after World War II to prevent the recurrence of global conflict.
Drawing on historical precedent, South Africa warned that military invasions against sovereign states have repeatedly led to long-term instability rather than peace. From the Middle East to parts of Africa and Latin America, externally imposed military solutions have often deepened humanitarian crises, fractured institutions, and prolonged suffering for civilian populations. The Venezuelan situation, South Africa cautioned, risks following a similar trajectory if addressed through force rather than dialogue.
The statement also highlighted the broader implications for the international order. Unlawful and unilateral use of force erodes trust among nations and weakens the principle of equality that underpins multilateral cooperation. If left unchallenged, such actions could normalise a world in which powerful states act without accountability, setting a dangerous precedent for global peace and security.
In response to the unfolding situation, South Africa has called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently convene. As the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, the Security Council is urged to assess the legality of the actions taken, consider their consequences, and pursue a collective response rooted in international law.
South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It stressed that lasting solutions to political crises can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international norms — not through military force.
As the international community watches developments in Venezuela closely, South Africa’s position adds to growing global calls for restraint, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the principles that govern peaceful coexistence among nations.
By Alex Nyembo
