Lamola slams US over Venezuela actions, calls for UN Security Council engagement

International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, has criticised the US posture toward Venezuela, saying it undermined international law and the principles of state sovereignty enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“As the government of the republic, we were taken aback by that posture of the US because it violates the UN Charter.

“It is in violation of the territorial integrity of Venezuela, and it's in violation of all principles that should govern respectability of sovereign states,” Lamola said.

He spoke to the media on Monday ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled for later today, saying South Africa hopes for “progressive decisions” and “robust engagements” on the matter.

“So that's why we have issued the statement, and we have called for the sitting of the UN Security Council, and we are looking forward to the meeting this afternoon, with the hope that progressive decisions will be taken, and robust engagements will happen,” he said.

The minister highlighted broader regional issues under discussion at the ANC’s International Relations Subcommittee, which is meeting concurrently.

“There are broad issues affecting the geopolitical space, as you are aware. We are also chairing SADC. We also have to engage on peace and security in the continent, but also the consolidation and regional integration,” Lamola said.

“So all those are issues on the agenda of the subcommittee to take forward issues for the year, including the input for the January 8,” he added, referring to the ANC’s upcoming anniversary celebrations.

Lamola’s comments follow long-standing US pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

While reports and social media claims have stated the US involvement in capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, no confirmed arrests have occurred.

The US has pursued indictments and sanctions against Maduro and other senior officials for alleged narcotics trafficking and corruption, and has offered rewards for information leading to their capture.

Washington maintained these measures were aimed at countering criminal activity and supporting democratic norms in Venezuela.

“It’s important for all of us to stand by the side of the rule of law across the globe in solidarity,” Lamola said.

The minister’s statements also reflect ongoing tensions between Pretoria and Washington, including differences over South Africa’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its leadership role in BRICS, and broader debates over multilateral versus unilateral approaches to global governance.

Meanwhile, the ANC is gathering in the North West this weekend to celebrate its 114th anniversary and will discuss strategies to restore public trust and strengthen internal cohesion.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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