On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the United States’ military operation in Venezuela—where US forces seized President Nicolás Maduro—calling it a violation of international norms.
Speaking in front of a Venezuelan flag at a memorial for a late anti-apartheid activist, Ramaphosa urged the UN Security Council to take “decisive action” and voiced solidarity with the Venezuelan people 🗣️.
His remarks sparked a sharp reaction within South Africa’s Government of National Unity coalition. The Democratic Alliance (DA) accused the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of double standards for not condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus welcomed Maduro’s removal as “the end of socialist failure,” calling the foreign ministry’s stance politically driven.
These developments come amid already strained ties between Pretoria and Washington—ranging from South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice to US threats of trade tariffs. Analysts warn that rising tensions could carry economic risks for both sides 💼.
From social media threads in Delhi to livestream debates in Kuala Lumpur, netizens are weighing in on sovereignty and solidarity—reminding us that in a connected world, every action sparks a global conversation 🌐.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
