The South African government has condemned the United States for its military strike in Venezuela on Saturday and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, calling the actions a grave violation of international law and a dangerous escalation of geopolitical tensions.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the intervention contravenes the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of sovereign states.
“Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations,” DIRCO said.
The condemnation follows reports that US forces abducted Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during coordinated operations in Caracas.
The strike targeted key government institutions, with Washington announcing it would oversee Venezuela until a “judicious transition” occurs.
The US also declared it would take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world.
Maduro has since been transferred to New York where he faces drugs and weapons charges in a federal court.
Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013, has denied US allegations of running a “narco‑state” and insists Washington’s true aim is to seize control of Venezuela’s oil.
The US move has drawn sharp criticism from governments and international organisations who argue the intervention sets a dangerous precedent.
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres warned the strike could embolden other powers to justify invasions, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and concerns over Taiwan.
South Africa has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address the crisis. The Council is scheduled to convene Monday.
The US has not undertaken such a direct intervention in Latin America since its 1989 invasion of Panama to depose Manuel Noriega.
Venezuela, despite its vast oil wealth, has suffered economic collapse over the past decade, with the UN estimating eight million refugees.
