Ramaphosa Calls for UN Action After US Capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro

Inverted Pyramid of News Writing

Who is Cyril Ramaphosa and What Did He Demand?

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vehemently condemned the United States’ military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. As reported in coverage from Africanews, Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the US action, calling for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife while urging the UN Security Council to intervene [3]. He stated that the capture constitutes a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, emphasising that the Security Council is mandated to address peace and security matters.

In a public address covered by Hindustan Times, Ramaphosa demanded their release as global criticism mounts over Washington’s plans to oversee Venezuela’s political and energy transition [2]. Speaking before a Venezuelan flag at a commemoration for late anti-apartheid activist Joe Slovo, as noted by SABC News, Ramaphosa declared, “We reject utterly the actions that the United States has embarked upon and stand with the people of Venezuela” [6].

What Exactly Happened in the US Capture of Maduro?

The US military conducted a strike on Caracas, capturing deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, an event that stunned the world, according to Nova News [4]. Maduro and his wife now face charges in New York, prompting widespread reactions. Ramaphosa, in statements relayed via Punch Nigeria, reiterated on his official X account that South Africa’s response is guided by commitment to international law, noting the action undermined Venezuela’s territorial integrity and sovereignty [5].

As detailed in Anadolu Agency reporting, Ramaphosa “utterly” rejected the US action, which undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state [7]. The operation has drawn sharp international division, with details emerging from multiple sources confirming the Saturday timeline and the couple’s detention [4].

Why Did Ramaphosa Call for UN Security Council Action?

Ramaphosa cautioned that the incident could grant “carte blanche” for military interventions against sovereign states, undermining the global rules-based order, as per Africanews [3]. He stressed the need for multilateral institutions to address such violations. “We reiterate our call for decisive action by the United Nations Security Council to fulfil its mandate and advance peace and security,” Ramaphosa added, according to Punch Nigeria [5].

In YouTube coverage from SABC News, Ramaphosa emphasised South Africa’s solidarity during the SACP's 31st commemoration of Joe Slovo's death [6]. He warned of threats to regional stability and international peace, urging the Council to exercise its collective wisdom [3].

How Have International Reactions Been Divided?

International reaction remains sharply divided, with China and Russia leading condemnation of the US move as unlawful and destabilising, while others voiced support, deepening global divisions, as reported by Africanews [3]. Ramaphosa’s stance aligns with African solidarity, per Anadolu Agency [7].

Nigerian scholars, including former Minister Bolaji Akinyemi, slammed President Donald Trump over the capture during a NIIA roundtable in Lagos, describing it as illegal, according to Punch Nigeria [5]. Professor Femi Otubanjo called it ideologically driven for political relevance, arms sales, and oil access. Journalist Kayode Komolafe raised concerns over capitalist tendencies.

What Domestic Divisions Has Ramaphosa’s Stance Caused in South Africa?

Ramaphosa’s position has sparked division among South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, as covered by Nova News [4]. Despite this, he urged “decisive action” from the UN Security Council. In Hindustan Times footage, Ramaphosa slammed the operation during a public address [2].

YouTube transcripts from Africanews highlight Ramaphosa stating, “I think everybody now in the world agrees that what has happened is a violation of international law and also a violation of the United Nations Charter” [9]. He noted the Security Council is best placed to address the matter.

Who Else Has Voiced Concerns Over the Maduro Capture?

Bolaji Akinyemi and scholars like those at the NIIA condemned the US for acting as abductor, detainer, prosecutor, judge, and jury, violating nemo judex in causa sua, per Punch Nigeria [5]. They called for UN reforms. Otubanjo described US motives as tied to oil and arms.

Pope Francis voiced concern over the US raid, calling for peace and sovereignty, as noted in Africanews side coverage [8]. Ramaphosa’s calls echo broader African support [7].

Details from The Voice of Africa Coverage

Although direct fetch from The Voice of Africa was unavailable, search snippets confirm Ramaphosa emphasised that matters of peace, security, and force between states fall within the UN Security Council’s mandate [11]. This aligns with his consistent messaging across sources.

In a DIRCO statement snippet, South Africa urged a UN Security Council session following the unilateral action . Ramaphosa’s repeated demands for release and UN intervention remain central [3].

Could This Set a Global Precedent?

Ramaphosa warned of a dangerous precedent, as per Africanews [3]. Scholars like Ojumu in Nigeria called for representative Security Council reforms [5]. The event deepens global divides, with YouTube analyses reinforcing UN rule-of-law calls [10].

South Africa’s position, reiterated across platforms, underscores commitment to the UN Charter [5]. Reactions from SABC News highlight rejection of the invasion [6].