'Are we back to law of the jungle now?' SA's head of diplomacy on Trump's attack on Venezuela
View of a destroyed truck at La Carlota air base in Caracas on Jaunary 3, 2026. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe.
Image: Juan Barreto / AFP
South Africa’s head of diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, has sharply criticised recent United States military strikes in Venezuela, questioning the state of the international order amid global alarm.
In a statement responding to reports that the US launched large-scale military strikes against Venezuela overnight, including targeting Caracas and other regions.
"Where’s the 'international rules-based order'? Are we back to law of the jungle now? What the hell," Monyela said.
He highlighted the legal framework underpinning South Africa's concerns, citing the UN Charter: "Members must not use force or threaten force against another state's territory or political independence," referring to Article 2(4) on non-interference.
The US has justified the intervention by citing Nicolas Maduro's government's alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking and threats to democratic processes.
"President Nicolas Maduro, has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country. This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow," US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Former Economic Freedom Fighters MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi weighed in on the operation, describing it as a shocking display of unilateral force.
"The year 2026 has started… imperialist USA invasion of Venezuela. Capture of its leader, along with his wife."
He added pointed commentary on global power dynamics, noting: "Key question is: Are China and Russia seriously a counter force to this 'USA Disorder'?"
Venezuela's government condemned the strikes as military aggression and a violation of sovereignty. International observers have expressed alarm at the unilateral use of force without multilateral authorisation.
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