By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Nhlanhla Magongo, the External Regional Secretary of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) has released a statement, condemning the attack and subsequent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours on Saturday.

SWAYOCO is the Youth League of the Eswatini’s main and largest liberation movement- the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).

“The actions of the USA are a gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation and a clear attempt to impose regime change. We see this as a crime against humanity and a threat to global peace and stability. These acts by the United States are nothing short of treason and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. It is well known that the Trump orchestrated this treasonous act because of the thirst for Venezuela’s oil and Venezuela's heroic refusal to bow to the imperial master. SWAYOCO stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, in the face of this imperialist aggression. We demand the immediate cessation of all military actions, economic sanctions, and interference in Venezuela's internal affairs,” reads the statement in part.

On another note, SWAYOCO has called for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores and the dropping of all fabricated charges against them.

“We condemn the targeting of the Venezuelan leadership and people as a tactic of intimidation and coercion. We call on the international community to reject this act of aggression and to stand with the Venezuelan people in defense of their sovereignty and right to self-determination,” the PUDEMO Youth League said through the statement.