In a powerful show of solidarity, hundreds of South Africans gathered outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria this week, demanding the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. ✊
The protesters—made up of activists, trade unionists, left-wing parties and everyday citizens—accused the US of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty (the right of a country to govern itself) and breaking international law. Waving placards and chanting slogans, they denounced what they called US aggression against the South American nation. 📣
Over the weekend, the South African government joined the calls, taking the issue to the United Nations and arguing that the US operation was a serious breach of sovereignty that needs urgent global attention.
The South African Communist Party and allied groups voiced their support. "Our solidarity with the people of Venezuela is very important," said Solly Mapaila, the party’s secretary general. "We stand here to demand the unconditional release of President Nicolas Maduro and comrade Cilia Flores for these trumped-up charges."
Other speakers warned Washington about crossing a "red line." Muhammed Desai from the South Africa Latin America Association said, "We are here to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Venezuelan friends who’ve been marching by the hundreds of thousands."
Some protesters presented a three-point demand: release Maduro and Flores, withdraw all US forces and proxies from Venezuela, and have the UN Security Council step in if the US fails to comply.
Despite the tension, South African authorities confirmed that all nationals in Venezuela are safe. The demonstration highlights growing global solidarity movements, as young people across borders rally for human rights and sovereignty. 🌍
Stay tuned for more updates on global solidarity and the fight for justice. 🙌
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South Africans protest, demand US release of Maduro and Cilia
cgtn.com
