SA calls for UNSC to take tough action against US for Venezuela invasion

The South African government has reiterated its call for action to be taken against the United States (US) for its invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife.

It now says if the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fails to act decisively against the US, this would be tantamount to inviting anarchy.

On Monday, the Maduro couple pleaded not guilty to drug charges in a New York court, while the Security Council was debating the actions of the United States, with several countries condemning the attack as a violation of international law.

But U.S. Representative to the UN Mike Waltz has defended his country’s military invasion, insisting Maduro is a prolific drug trafficker and a fugitive from justice.

While several countries, including Chile and Brazil, have questioned the legitimacy of Venezuela’s 2024 election outcome, they say they do not support the US’s invasion of the country to remove Maduro from office.

The South African government told the first UN Security Council meeting of the year, which was requested by Colombia, that the United States has violated the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Venezuela.

The country statement was delivered by acting deputy permanent representative Jonathan Passmoor.

“If we do not stand up for the sovereign rights of any nations or states when they are undermined and wantonly violated, then which one of us is safe or is guaranteed protection by the principles of the charter and international law?” Passmoor said.

But U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump would not stand for Maduro’s alleged involvement in flooding the U.S. with drugs.

“The United States will not waver in our actions to protect Americans from the scourge of narco-terrorism and seeks peace, liberty, and justice for the great people of Venezuela,” he said.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan ambassador Samuel Moncada Acosta has denounced the US' actions as kidnapping and an act of aggression that violated Venezuela’s sovereignty.

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