Diplomats, business and academic leaders in South Africa have called on the international community to show solidarity with Venezuela and demand the unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, while criticizing what they term the "rogue behaviors" against international law by the United States.
Maduro, who was forcibly transferred to New York by US forces earlier this month, faces charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He has denied all the "charges".
Carlos Feo Acevedo, Venezuela's ambassador to South Africa, said Maduro is being held as a prisoner of war in the US.
He urged the global community to denounce what he termed "flagrant violation of international law" and the United Nations Charter and press for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
He described the operation as a "terrorist act", saying it has been widely rejected by the Venezuelan people, who are demanding the immediate release and return of their president and his wife.
Acevedo said his demand has received international backing, including support from within the US itself, stressing that Venezuelans remain united in rejecting foreign interference.
"The real motive behind the US' continued aggression against the Venezuelan government is its interest in taking over the world's largest oil reserves," he said.
Venezuela also has gas reserves, indisputable mineral wealth, and a strategic geographical location on the American continent, he added.
NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, based in Johannesburg, echoed the concerns saying the US actions violated Venezuela's sovereignty.
He noted that international institutions such as the United Nations and relevant tribunals should address disputes involving Venezuela.
"The Venezuelans should be asked what they want. They have a right to control their industry and resources," he said. "The international community should walk with Venezuela to ensure that it comes out of this crisis."
The executive chairman called on the African Union and the United Nations to support Venezuela, highlighting its importance to global energy security.
Changing landscape
"Venezuela has the world's highest oil reserves and is expected to produce about 4 million barrels of oil a day in the next five years. That is expected to double in the next 10 years, changing the global landscape of oil and gas production in the region and the world," he said.
He said the country's oil wealth could transform the lives of its citizens through increased revenue, job creation, improved infrastructure and better economic opportunities.
Bongani Mayimele, director of international relations and partnerships at South Africa's National School of Government, said Maduro's abduction and prosecution were illegal. He argued that US courts have no jurisdiction over Venezuela, as they are not international judicial bodies.
He said the heads of state accused of international crimes are tried through international institutions such as the International Criminal Court, warning that the US action undermines global legal frameworks.
Ashraf Patel, a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue in South Africa, described the abduction of Maduro as a "shocker". He urged the UN General Assembly to develop new mechanisms to address what he termed "rogue behaviors" by powerful states.
Patel warned that failure by the international community to intervene could plunge Venezuela into prolonged instability similar to Iraq.
Meanwhile, South African political parties, civil society, and trade unions have staged protests outside the US embassy in Pretoria over the past week, demanding Maduro's immediate release.
The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.
