SA Ambassador Condemns US Raid on Venezuela: ‘Imperialist Aggression Cannot Stand’

SA Ambassador Calls Out US ‘Imperialist Aggression’ After Maduro Seized

Speaking Out at Joe Slovo Commemoration

South Africa’s ambassador to Venezuela, Carlos Feo Acevedo, didn’t mince words on Tuesday, calling the recent US military operation in Venezuela “imperialist” and “colonialist aggression.”

He made the remarks during the 31st annual Joe Slovo Lecture and commemoration in Soweto, marking the legacy of the former ANC commander and housing minister, who passed away on 6 January 1995.

“We appreciate this brave position by South Africa,” Acevedo said, praising Pretoria for condemning Washington and urging an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
“It is in keeping with the principles of South Africarespecting international law, the UN Charter, and the framework that allows countries to live in peace and community.”

The Raid and Its Fallout

The ambassador described the raid as a direct violation of international law, which resulted in deaths among Venezuelan military personnel, including members of Maduro’s presidential security team. Acevedo said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were kidnapped during the operation, but stressed that Venezuela’s spirit remained unbroken.

“Yes, we have been struck, we have been humiliated. But we are not defeated. We will never be defeated,” he said.
“They cannot rule our country, our oil, or our mineral resources. The Bolivarian revolution is still growing stronger.”

Maduro, 63, appeared in a New York federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges including drug trafficking, saying he was taken against his will. Flores also pleaded not guilty. The court set a new hearing for 17 March, while US authorities have indicated that airstrikes and naval forces supported the operation.

US Control and Venezuelan Resistance

US officials, including former President Donald Trump, have claimed that Washington is now “in charge” of Venezuela, particularly the oil industry, and indicated there would be no immediate elections. Interim leadership has been handed to Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, pending compliance with US demands.

Acevedo’s remarks came alongside broader international criticism, including from former SA ambassador to the US, Welile Nhlapo, who called the operation a blatant violation of international law and warned of dangerous geopolitical consequences.

“They amount to bullying and put Washington on the wrong side of the UN Charter,” Nhlapo said.
“Only Congress can authorise military action abroad, and that did not happen. This is a very dangerous moment for global stability.”

South Africa’s Principled Stand

By publicly opposing the US action, South Africa has positioned itself as a defender of sovereignty and international law, a move applauded by Venezuela and many observers locally. Social media in South Africa reacted with a mix of concern and pride, with hashtags like #StandWithVenezuela and #UNActionNow trending briefly on X (formerly Twitter).

Acevedo concluded by reiterating that despite the raid and its casualties, Venezuelan institutions remain intact, and public morale is strong:

“We will continue to resist aggression. Our people are resilient. Our revolution endures.”

South Africa’s stance serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to diplomacy, international law, and the UN Charter, standing in sharp contrast to unilateral military interventions in sovereign nations.