South Africa demands UN meeting after US military action in Venezuela

South Africa has issued a forceful condemnation of the United States' military intervention in Venezuela and is demanding an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what it terms a serious breach of international law. The statement from Pretoria represents one of the strongest criticisms from the Global South and aligns with principles of sovereignty and non-intervention that resonate with many developing nations.

Strong Condemnation and Legal Arguments

In an official statement on Saturday, South Africa's Foreign Ministry declared that "unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations." The government stated it views the US actions as a "manifest violation" of the UN Charter, specifically citing the charter's mandate for all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against another state's territorial integrity or political independence. Pretoria emphasized that the charter provides no authorization for external military intervention in matters within a nation's domestic jurisdiction.

Historical Warning and Call for UN Action

Drawing on historical precedent, the South African statement cautioned that "military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis." This perspective reflects a broader skepticism toward unilateral military interventions and their long-term consequences. By formally calling for the UN Security Council to convene, South Africa is seeking to internationalize the response and place the issue within the world's primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, challenging the unilateral nature of the US operation.

Context and Regional Implications

The South African position follows former US President Donald Trump's confirmation of a "large-scale strike" that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who face US criminal charges. As Venezuela's vice president demands proof of Maduro's whereabouts, South Africa's stance highlights a significant geopolitical divide. This principled defense of sovereignty and multilateralism echoes positions taken by other nations, including Türkiye, which consistently emphasizes the importance of international law, diplomatic solutions, and respect for national sovereignty as foundations for true regional and global stability.