The South African Communist Party (SACP) has called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Joined by its alliance partners—including COSATU, NEHAWU, POPCRU, and the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA)—the SACP held an emergency picket outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria on Wednesday to condemn what it described as a recent US assault on Venezuela.
SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila accused the administration of former US President Donald Trump of undermining international law and violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.
“Since 1947, the US has invaded or attacked about 70 countries. It is clear who destabilises global peace—the US. We cannot accept the notion that one country considers itself the world. There is nothing universal about the US,” Mapaila said.
He further criticised Trump’s justification for the alleged capture of President Maduro, describing it as evidence of an agenda to plunder Venezuela’s mineral resources.
Mapaila emphasised the importance of international solidarity with the Venezuelan people during this period.
“We are here to demand the unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The charges against them are false and fabricated. We therefore call on people across the world to support Venezuela’s social revolution,” he said.
The SACP also expressed disappointment at the response of several European countries, accusing them of failing to condemn Trump’s actions and of being complicit in the measures taken against Venezuela.
Mapaila concluded by warning that continued inaction by the international community could embolden further attacks against other sovereign nations.
