South Africa calls for urgent UN meeting over military action in Venezuela

The South African government has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council following what it describes as unilateral military action against Venezuela.

In a media statement issued on Saturday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it had noted confirmations by the United States of America that it conducted a “large-scale military strike” against Venezuela. According to the statement, Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, was reportedly captured during the operation and removed from the country along with his wife.

South Africa condemned the reported actions, stating that they constitute a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. The Charter requires all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign state.

DIRCO further emphasised that the UN Charter does not permit external military intervention in matters that fall within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign nation, warning that such actions undermine international law and established norms of state sovereignty.

“History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crises,” the statement read. It added that unlawful and unilateral use of force threatens the stability of the international order and erodes the principle of equality among nations.

South Africa has urged the UN Security Council, which is mandated to maintain international peace and security, to convene urgently to address the situation in Venezuela and prevent further escalation.

The department reiterated South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts and adherence to international law.