South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a forceful condemnation of recent United States military involvement in Venezuela, accusing Washington of violating international law and undermining the sovereignty of the South American nation. The remarks, posted on Ramaphosa’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, came on January 6, 2026, sparking renewed debate on global norms around intervention and sovereignty.
In a statement that drew clear lines between diplomatic protest and international law, Ramaphosa insisted that the United States’ actions in Venezuela run counter to the United Nations Charter, especially principles enshrined to protect territorial integrity.
“We reject utterly the actions embarked upon by the United States and we stand with the people of Venezuela,” the South African leader declared. “It is our commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter that informs our deep concern and action [about] the United States in Venezuela, which has undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state called Venezuela.”
In addition to his sharp critique of U.S. tactics, President Ramaphosa also demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, whom he said remain detained under circumstances that escalate tensions across the region.
“And we demand the release of President Maduro and his wife as well,” Ramaphosa said in his video message. “We reiterate our call for decisive action by the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its mandate and advance peace and security.”
The South African president warned that a failure by the UN to intervene decisively could embolden further violations of international norms and deepen instability not only in Venezuela but also across the broader global system.
Ramaphosa’s remarks underscored South Africa’s longstanding emphasis on respect for state sovereignty and scepticism about unilateral military interventions by powerful nations. His government has historically aligned itself with positions advocating for diplomatic engagement and adherence to the UN Charter.
By framing the issue as one of international legality rather than only political disagreement, Ramaphosa sought to elevate the debate to questions about how global powers interact with smaller states, particularly in contexts where military force is used or threatened.
The South African leader’s stance is likely to resonate within the African Union (AU) and among other developing nations that view U.S. interventionist policies with growing concern. Calls for non-interference and respect for sovereignty are key pillars of both AU and UN policy frameworks, and Ramaphosa’s comments may influence ongoing international diplomatic conversations.
Analysts say the criticism of U.S. actions comes at a time when global geopolitics is increasingly contested, with many countries pressing for reforms in how the UN Security Council addresses conflicts involving major powers and smaller states.
The White House and U.S. State Department had not issued full public responses to Ramaphosa’s statements as of the latest reports. However, diplomatic channels remain active, and further reactions from both Washington and Pretoria are expected in the coming days.
