ANC calls for immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

The African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was recently captured by the United States (US).

Three days ago, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested by the US military at their compound on charges related to drug offences.

However, US President Donald Trump recently acknowledged in a press conference that America also had interests in Venezuela’s oil resources.

ALSO READ: Venezuela saga: ANC condemns US' disregard for international law

The ANC officially announced its position on the US invasion of Venezuela at a media briefing in Rustenburg on Tuesday.

Maduro appeared in a New York court, where he pleaded not guilty to various charges, including drug trafficking.

Some analysts believed the US had no legal justification for Maduro’s arrest and insisted that no international law supported it.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said it was in America’s best interest to release Maduro, as no law justified his abduction alongside his wife.

Mbalula further called on "peace-loving people" to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Maduro and his wife, adding that the world must reject all actions that undermined democracy and international law.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said America’s military action would set a dangerous precedent for international order.

While some US allies questioned the legitimacy of the latest elections in Venezuela, they also criticised Trump’s military action in the country.