Ramaphosa Says US Actions in Venezuela Violate International Law

South Africa has denounced recent actions by the United States in Venezuela, describing them as unlawful and calling for the unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa’s position is firmly rooted in respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations, arguing that Washington’s conduct threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a UN member state.

Ramaphosa said Pretoria cannot support actions that undermine global legal norms, stressing that South Africa aligns itself with the Venezuelan people rather than external interference.

By taking this stance, South Africa has joined a number of countries openly questioning US policy toward Caracas, presenting the issue as one of legality and international order rather than power politics.

The President warned that ignoring sovereignty weakens the credibility of the international system and sets a dangerous precedent for global relations.

Pretoria has further urged the United Nations Security Council to act decisively within its mandate to preserve peace, protect international law and prevent escalation.

South Africa’s call reinforces its long-standing view that the Venezuelan situation should be resolved through multilateral engagement and dialogue, not unilateral measures  a position likely to deepen diplomatic divisions between Washington and several nations in the Global South.