BRICS
Global Condemnation Mounts Over U.S. Capture of Maduro
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Following the U.S. military's January 3, 2026, capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores for drug charges, international backlash intensified. South Africa, BRICS nations, and others decried the operation as a sovereignty violation, while Europe offered mixed responses and Trump issued fresh threats against other countries.
As detailed in earlier coverage of initial BRICS fractures and market shocks from the US-Israeli war on Iran, the bloc's expanded membership continues to hinder a unified response. New members Iran and UAE are directly opposed, with India's chairmanship reluctant to force consensus ahead of its summit.
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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has defended South Africa's participation in recent BRICS Plus naval exercises that included Iran, amid criticism from the United States. He emphasized that the drills were led by China and that diplomatic protocols were followed regarding Iran's involvement. The government insists no breaches occurred, while an inquiry examines implementation of presidential instructions.