Story perspectives

Ramaphosa Slams U.S. Venezuela Operation as Law Violation

1/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned U.S. military operation in Venezuela as a violation of international law.
He called on the UN Security Council to convene urgently and favor dialogue over force.
The U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026.
South Africa's Department of International Relations stated that unilateral actions threaten global stability, while the U.S. defended its actions as necessary for justice.

History

Historical Context

In 1970, the United Nations adopted Resolution 2625, establishing principles of non-intervention and self-determination amid rising decolonization. This resolution, recognized in the 1986 Nicaragua v. United States case, underscores the tension between national sovereignty and foreign military actions. President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent condemnation of U.S. operations in Venezuela reflects ongoing debates about respecting territorial integrity and the legitimacy of intervention.

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Story summary

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned U.S. military operation in Venezuela as a violation of international law.
He called on the UN Security Council to convene urgently and favor dialogue over force.
The U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026.
South Africa's Department of International Relations stated that unilateral actions threaten global stability, while the U.S. defended its actions as necessary for justice.

1 / 2