Protesters in Johannesburg call on US to release Venezuela's Maduro

Protest Against US Intervention in Venezuela

On Saturday, a significant number of demonstrators organized a march to the American consulate in Johannesburg. The protest was aimed at opposing the United States' intervention in Venezuela and the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro.

The demonstration was led by members of the South African Communist Party and various trade unions. Irvin Jim, General Secretary of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA), highlighted the peaceful nature of the protest during a speech delivered at the United States consulate in Sandton.

The memorandum presented during the protest formally condemned the US military actions in Venezuela and demanded the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and comrade Celia Flores.

Mike Shingange, First Deputy of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, emphasized the importance of respecting international law and human rights. He stated that resources like oil should be used to foster global peace rather than conflict.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) have expressed their disapproval of the US actions and have called for the release of Maduro. Nomvula Mokonyane, the ANC's First Deputy Secretary-General, acknowledged the efforts of workers united under NUMSA's leadership, advocating for international solidarity and opposition to imperialist actions.

South Africa's relationship with the US has been strained, particularly following President Trump's return to power and his allegations against Pretoria of permitting a ‘genocide’ against the white community. Additionally, Trump boycotted the G20 meeting held in Johannesburg last November.

This demonstration follows a similar protest earlier this month outside the US Embassy in Pretoria.

Based on reporting by Africanews.