Divisions in South Africa's unity government over Maduro's removal

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned a US operation that captured Nicolas Maduro and called for his release, while parties in South Africa's national unity government publicly disagreed over the country's response.

President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly opposed a US military operation that captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and called for his release. He addressed the matter at a commemoration and urged the United Nations Security Council to act. Members of South Africa's national unity government reacted differently, with some parties accusing the African National Congress (ANC) of making its position appear to be the national stance. The disagreement comes amid already strained relations between Pretoria and the Trump administration. Key points: - Ramaphosa said South Africa rejects the US action, demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, and called for decisive steps from the UN Security Council. - The ANC urged progressive forces to mobilise against what it described as American aggression. - The Democratic Alliance accused the ANC and the foreign ministry of politicising foreign policy and pointed to inconsistency over Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine; the Freedom Front Plus welcomed Maduro's toppling. - Pretoria and Washington have recent diplomatic tensions, including over South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice related to Gaza, and a university professor warned leaders risk sanctions and economic harm if relations worsen. Summary: The public disagreement highlights divisions in South Africa's coalition over foreign policy and how the country should respond to the US action in Venezuela. Undetermined at this time.