Venezuela saga: ANC condemns US' disregard for international law

The African National Congress (ANC) believes it’s about time the global community stands up against what it calls the United States (US') continued disregard for international law following its invasion of Venezuela.

Three days ago, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by the US military in Caracas.

The US has charged Maduro with several offences, including drug trafficking, allegations he has denied and pleaded not guilty to.

The ANC has formally announced its position on what it describes as the US military’s invasion of the South American country.

While US President Donald Trump claims the primary reason for the abduction of Maduro is related to drug offences, he has also acknowledged the move involves control over the country’s oil resources.

Trump has stated that the US plans to take control of Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, repair its oil infrastructure, and also claimed the nation’ oil industry was built using American talent.

Announcing the ANC’s position in Rustenburg on Tuesday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula emphasised America’s invasion of Venezuela represents a major setback for international peace.

"The kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and his son Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra undermines the United Nations charter and threatens peace and stability at a time when the world requires cooperation, restraint, and dialogue."

He said just as South Africa stood up against Israel for the genocide in Gaza, the country will do the same for the Venezuelan people.