South Africa: Protesters condemn US attack on Venezuela

Voicing their anger over the US’s capture of ousted Venezuelan leader NIcolas Maduro and his wife, crowds gathered outside the US embassy in the South African capital.

The demonstrations were led by members of the South African communist party, which has condemned US President Donald Trump’s actions and is urging Maduro’s immediate release.

Sarah Mukwevho, a demonstrator, said, “today we are here outside the US embassy in Pretoria in solidarity with Venezuela. As many people may be aware, the Venezuelan president and his spouse were abducted by the US a few days ago, and today we are here to call - first - for the release of President Maduro, and then secondly, to allow all institutions that exist and the mechanisms that exist to just drill it in the US heads, although they're aware of this that all countries are sovereign and they need to be allowed to do what they want to do."

According to Venezuela's interior ministry, 100 people were killed in the US attack on the country during which Maduro was seized by US forces. The military operation has drawn widespread criticism and sparked a wave of protests in the US and further afield.

Solly Mapaila, SACP secretary general, said, "we have appreciated South Africa's stance. We think it was brave, important, independent and I think that's what we expect from South Africa, no less than that. But of course it comes at a risk. It's a country that can always isolate itself to stand for the truth to speak on principles which we appreciate. That's what we are. We are a country...our democracy was achieved as a consequence of international solidarity, so expression of international solidarity is a component of our own struggle as well. So we really appreciate the position taken by the South African government."

Protesters were also criticising Trump’s plans to get his hands on oil in Venezuela, which has the largest crude oil reserves on the planet.