PRETORIA – Dozens of demonstrators assembled outside the U.S. Embassy in South Africa’s capital on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to American military actions in Venezuela and the detention of former President Nicolas Maduro. Organized primarily by the South African Communist Party (SACP), a key ally of the ruling African National Congress, the protest featured participants brandishing signs with messages such as “Hands Off Venezuela,” “Free President Maduro Now,” and “End American Imperialism.”
Solly Mapaila, Secretary General of the SACP, addressed the crowd, accusing the U.S. of openly seeking control over Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves. “Donald Trump has not hidden this intention from the world. He has pronounced it with his own mouth,” Mapaila stated.
The demonstration also drew support from pro-Palestine activists who expressed solidarity with Venezuela. Sarah Mukwevho, one of the protesters, warned that U.S. actions in Venezuela could set a dangerous precedent for other nations. “Today it is Venezuela and Maduro, tomorrow it can be any other smaller country that the U.S. is not happy with,” she remarked.
The protest aligns with the South African government’s official condemnation of Maduro’s capture. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the country’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter, stating that U.S. actions had “undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state.” He demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
This demonstration occurs against a backdrop of strained U.S.-South Africa relations, exacerbated recently by diplomatic disagreements over Trump’s comments regarding South Africa’s domestic policies.