DIRCO slams US operation in Venezuela as violation of international law

The South African government has strongly condemned the United States military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Maduro appeared in court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to various charges, including drug trafficking, while telling the court, "I am still president."

Maduro and his wife were seized from their home in Caracas over the weekend.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has called it a 'brazen violation of international law'.

Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), agrees.

"What we have seen happening in Venezuela is a manifest violation of the UN Charter, which speaks to how we should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a state."

Phirisays Pretoria views the US operation as creating a devastating precedent for the rules-based system of international relations.

"It also puts multilateralism in a very, very precarious situation."

With relations between South Africa and the US under strain, how will this latest move by the US impact the already difficult relationship between Pretoria and Washington?

"We would hope that we continue to have a dialogue because that is what we believe in any situation, de-escalates conflict, but also brings a tangible solution."

Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez, an ally of Maduro, has been sworn in as acting president of Venezuela and has called for peace and dialogue.

On Monday, Trump reiterated his claim to reporters on board Air Force One that the US is 'in charge' of Venezuela.

To listen to Phiri in conversation with 702's Ray White, use the audio player below: