This follows confirmation by the United States (US) that it carried out what it described as a large-scale military strike that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were flown out of the country.

In a statement, SA said the action constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) , which obliges all Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state. It stressed that the UN Charter does not permit external military intervention in matters that fall within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign country.

SA warned that history has repeatedly shown that military invasions of sovereign states lead to prolonged instability and deepen existing political and humanitarian crises. It said the use of unlawful and unilateral force undermines the international order and erodes the principle of equality among nations.

The government also raised concern about the broader implications of the US action for global peace and security, noting that such precedents weaken multilateral systems designed to resolve disputes through dialogue and international law.

SA has called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene to address the situation, urging the body to act in line with its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

The developments in Venezuela have triggered international reactions, with several countries and multilateral institutions warning that the escalation could destabilise the region and further endanger civilian lives.

Pretoria reiterated its longstanding position that conflicts must be resolved through peaceful means, inclusive dialogue and respect for international law, rather than through military force.

–ChannelAfrica–