This week, activists, trade unionists and political groups gathered outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, to demand the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. ✊🕊️
The protest brought together a broad coalition – from trade unions and left-wing parties to solidarity movements and everyday citizens – who denounced what they call Washington's aggression and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Amid chants of Hands off Venezuela!, protesters sent a clear message of defiance.
Pretoria's government has echoed these concerns, taking the case to the United Nations and arguing that the US operation amounts to a breach of international law. Over the weekend, South African officials urged urgent UN intervention to secure the couple's release.
The South African Communist Party, alongside allied organizations, voiced strong support. 'Our solidarity with the people of Venezuela is vital,' said Solly Mapaila, the party's secretary general. 'We stand here to demand the unconditional release of President Nicolas Maduro and comrade Cilia Flores.'
For Muhammed Desai of the South Africa Latin America Association, the rally was also a warning to Washington. 'There is a red line, and it has been crossed. We stand with our friends in Venezuela, who have taken to the streets demanding the president's freedom,' he said.
Some demonstrators took the message further with three clear demands:
- Immediate release of Maduro and Flores from US custody.
- Withdrawal of all US forces and proxy troops from Venezuela.
- Intervention by the United Nations Security Council if these demands go unheeded.
Amid the chants and banners, South African authorities confirmed that all nationals in Venezuela are safe. For many young activists and onlookers, the protest was more than politics – it was a stand for sovereignty, justice and international solidarity. 🌍✌️
Reference(s):
South Africans protest, demand US release of Maduro and Cilia
cgtn.com
