South Africa Applauded by Venezuela for Condemning US Military Action

A Principled Stand

The Venezuelan Ambassador to South Africa, Carlos Feo Acevedo, has publicly praised South Africa for its firm stance against the recent US military operation in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolás Maduro and his wife forcibly removed from Caracas.

Speaking at the SACP Joe Slovo Lecture in Soweto on Tuesday, Acevedo expressed gratitude for South Africa’s appeal to the UN Security Council to address the situation. He described the move as courageous and consistent with the country’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter.

“We thank South Africa for playing its role in condemning the US military intervention and for calling for an urgent Security Council meeting. This is in line with South Africa’s principles and respect for international law,” Acevedo said.

Political Solidarity in Soweto

The lecture, held at Avalon Cemetery, attracted leaders from the SACP, ANC, and Cosatu, who gathered to mark the 31st anniversary of Joe Slovo’s passing. In his address, Acevedo highlighted the broader implications of the US intervention, framing it as a blatant violation of international norms.

Earlier this week, the SACP denounced the operation in the strongest terms, labeling it a criminal and unlawful act that threatens peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. The party emphasized that such aggression undermines sovereignty and the legal equality of states, citing UN Articles 1 and 2.

Social media reactions in South Africa showed widespread support for the SACP’s position, with citizens applauding the call for global accountability and posting hashtags such as #StandWithVenezuela and #UNActionNow.

Acknowledging Human Costs

Acevedo did not shy away from the human toll of the military operation. He reported that several dozen Venezuelan military personnel were killed, including 32 Cuban security officers who were part of the Presidential Security Team. He stressed that despite these losses and the humiliation of Maduro’s abduction, the Venezuelan people remain resilient.

“Yes, we have been struck, we have been humiliated, and many of our military personnel have been killed. Yet the people of Venezuela are strong,” Acevedo remarked.

Global Legal Implications

The ambassador’s address comes at a critical moment for international diplomacy. South Africa’s call for UN action underscores the country’s role as a defender of sovereignty and global justice, particularly in the face of unilateral military interventions. Analysts suggest that this could pressure other nations to condemn breaches of international law and reaffirm commitments to peaceful conflict resolution.

Acevedo concluded by thanking the SACP and other South African allies who have consistently condemned the US military operation, signaling hope that international solidarity can help protect Venezuelan sovereignty and the lives of civilians caught in the conflict.

South Africa’s stand, paired with Acevedo’s acknowledgment, marks a rare moment of high-level diplomatic support for Venezuela in the region, reinforcing the importance of the UN as a platform for holding powerful nations accountable.