South Africa: Protesters Condemn US Attack on Venezuela. Pretoria, South Africa — Crowds of protesters gathered outside the US embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday, voicing their strong disapproval of the United States’recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The demonstrations were led by members of the South African Communist Party (SACP), who have openly criticized US President Donald Trump’s actions and are calling for Maduro’s immediate release.
Sarah Mukwevho, a demonstrator, emphasized the group’s solidarity with Venezuela, stating, “today we are here outside the US embassy in Pretoria in solidarity with Venezuela.
As many people may be aware, the Venezuelan president and his spouse were abducted by the US a few days ago, and today we are here to call — first – for the release of President Maduro, and then secondly, to allow all institutions that exist and the mechanisms that exist to just drill it in the US heads, although they’re aware of this that all countries are sovereign and they need to be allowed to do what they want to do.”
According to Venezuela’s interior ministry, 100 people were killed in the US attack on the country during which Maduro was seized by US forces.
The military operation has garnered widespread criticism and sparked protests not only in the US but also internationally. Solly Mapaila, SACP secretary general, expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s stance, which he described as “brave, important, independent.”He added, “That’s what we expect from South Africa, no less than that.
But of course it comes at a risk. It’s a country that can always isolate itself to stand for the truth to speak on principles which we appreciate. That’s what we are.
We are a country. Our democracy was achieved as a consequence of international solidarity, so expression of international solidarity is a component of our own struggle as well. So we really appreciate the position taken by the South African government.”.
Protesters also criticized Trump’s plans to secure control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which are the largest in the world.
The situation remains fluid, with further details expected to emerge as the situation develops.
