South Africa calls urgent UN session over US military strike in Venezuela

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South Africa has condemned a large-scale US military strike against Venezuela and called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The strike, confirmed by the United States, led to the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife on 3 January 2026.

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the action was a clear breach of the UN Charter, which prohibits military force against sovereign nations without international consensus.

Why South Africa opposes the US action

DIRCO’s statement expresses “grave concern” over the US decision to unilaterally use force in Venezuela. South Africa argues the action:

• Violates the UN Charter’s ban on force against a country’s political independence
• Undermines the stability of global international order
• Sets a dangerous precedent for military interference

The Charter only allows intervention when authorised by the Security Council or in self-defence, neither of which applies here, South Africa said.

South Africa’s message to the UN Security Council

Pretoria urged the Security Council to urgently convene a session to address the situation. The Council is the UN’s top body for maintaining global peace and security.

DIRCO warned that history has shown foreign invasions typically lead to:

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• Increased instability in the target country
• Prolonged crises rather than resolution
• Erosion of trust in international law

“Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order,” the department stated.

Confirmed facts

• The US conducted a military strike against Venezuela
• President Nicholas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out
• South Africa called this a breach of international law
• DIRCO is demanding a UN Security Council session

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