07.01.2026 07:43
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela as a "violation of sovereignty," calling for the immediate release of detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in a statement that the military operation carried out by the USA in Venezuela is contrary to international law and the sovereignty rights of states, expressing that the South African government is deeply concerned about this action.
"WE DEFINITELY REJECT SUCH ACTIONS" Ramaphosa called on the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its duty to protect international law and ensure peace and security, stating, "We definitely reject such actions taken by the USA and stand with the people of Venezuela. We also demand the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife."
Emphasizing the need for a world order based on justice and equality against global instability, climate change, and increasing inequality, Ramaphosa said that South Africa is determined to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, Western Sahara, Cuba, and all communities deprived of their right to self-determination.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. WHAT HAPPENED? On January 3, around 02:00 local time in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, explosions and sounds of aircraft were heard. The Venezuelan government accused the USA of carrying out attacks on civilian and military facilities in various regions of the country following the explosions. US President Donald Trump announced that a large-scale attack had been launched against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and that Maduro and his wife had been taken out of the country.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi also stated that a criminal complaint had been filed against Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in the USA, with accusations against Maduro of "drug terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices against the USA."
The Venezuelan government called on the international community to condemn the USA, while some countries criticized the attack, and there were also those who supported the USA with their statements.