SADC stands by Maduro

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has joined countries such as Russia and China to stand by under-fire Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. In a statement, SADC chair Hage Geingob said the regional body will not support efforts by those seeking to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as president. “In particular, these countries have sought to undermine a democratically elected Government of the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela led by His Excellency Nicolás Maduro Moros by proclaiming Mr Juan Guaido Marquez as Interim-President of the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela,” Geingob said. “SADC condemns such violations of the principles of international law, especially the respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign states.” Late last month Guaido declared himself acting president during an opposition rally in Caracas which Maduro described as an attempted coup. The US government is one of many countries supporting Guaido.

STAFF REPORTER