South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the actions of the United States in Venezuela, accusing Washington of violating international law, undermining the country’s sovereignty, and threatening global peace and stability. He also called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, warning that their continued detention could further inflame tensions in the region.
In a video statement posted on his official X account, Ramaphosa said South Africa “utterly rejects” what he described as unlawful interference by the United States in the internal affairs of Venezuela. Speaking on behalf of the South African government, the president stressed that Pretoria’s position is guided by its longstanding commitment to international law, multilateralism, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
According to Ramaphosa, the actions attributed to the United States amount to a serious breach of the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which form the bedrock of the international system. He argued that no country, regardless of its power or influence, has the right to impose its will on another sovereign state through force or coercive measures.
“It is our commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter that informs our deep concern at the actions of the United States in Venezuela, which have undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a United Nations member state called Venezuela,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent and weaken the rules-based international order. He noted that respect for sovereignty and non-interference is essential for maintaining peace and stability in an increasingly fragile global environment.
Ramaphosa went further to demand the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife, describing their detention as unacceptable and destabilising. He said their continued captivity only heightens tensions and deepens the crisis, rather than contributing to dialogue or peaceful resolution.
“And we demand the release of President Maduro and his wife as well,” Ramaphosa said. “We reiterate our call for decisive action by the United Nations Security Council to fulfil its mandate and advance peace and security.”
The president emphasised that South Africa stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people, whom he said are bearing the brunt of external aggression and political destabilisation. He framed Pretoria’s position as one rooted not in ideological alignment, but in principle and respect for international norms.
“We reject utterly the actions embarked upon by the United States and we stand with the people of Venezuela,” Ramaphosa declared.
According to him, South Africa believes that the challenges facing Venezuela can only be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for the country’s sovereignty, rather than through unilateral actions or the use of force. He warned that external interference often exacerbates existing political and economic challenges, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences.
Ramaphosa also called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently address the situation in Venezuela, urging the global body to act decisively in line with its mandate to maintain international peace and security. He argued that silence or inaction by the UN could be interpreted as tacit approval of actions that violate international law.
“The United Nations Security Council must take decisive steps to ensure that peace and stability are preserved,” he said, adding that the credibility of the international system depends on consistent application of its rules, regardless of which countries are involved.
The South African president cautioned that failure by the UN to act could embolden further violations of international norms, not only in Venezuela but elsewhere around the world. He warned that selective enforcement of international law undermines trust in global institutions and fuels instability.
Ramaphosa’s remarks place South Africa among a growing number of countries, particularly in the Global South, that have expressed concern over unilateral actions by powerful states and called for renewed commitment to multilateralism. Pretoria has long positioned itself as an advocate of peaceful conflict resolution, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, drawing on its own history of international solidarity during the struggle against apartheid.
Analysts say South Africa’s stance reflects broader concerns among developing nations about the erosion of international norms and the increasing use of force or coercive measures in global politics. Many argue that such actions disproportionately affect weaker states and undermine efforts to build a more equitable and stable international order.
The condemnation also underscores South Africa’s emphasis on the role of the United Nations as the primary forum for addressing international disputes. Ramaphosa stressed that the UN, and particularly the Security Council, must not abdicate its responsibilities in the face of actions that threaten peace and security.
He reiterated that South Africa’s position is not an endorsement of any particular political leader or system, but a defense of principles that apply universally. According to him, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law must remain non-negotiable, regardless of geopolitical considerations.
In recent years, Venezuela has been at the centre of intense international controversy, with deep political divisions at home and competing positions abroad. While some countries have supported measures aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan government, others have criticised what they see as external interference and collective punishment of the Venezuelan people.
Ramaphosa’s statement adds to the diplomatic pressure surrounding the situation, particularly his call for the release of President Maduro and his wife and his appeal for UN intervention. It also highlights the risk that escalating tensions could have broader implications beyond Venezuela, affecting regional and global stability.
As the situation continues to evolve, South Africa has made it clear that it will continue to advocate for dialogue, respect for international law, and multilateral solutions to global crises. Ramaphosa concluded by reiterating that peace and stability can only be achieved when nations commit to resolving disputes through lawful and cooperative means, rather than through unilateral actions that undermine the international system.
His remarks are likely to resonate among countries that share concerns about sovereignty, non-interference, and the future of multilateralism in a rapidly changing world order.
