Ela Gandhi’s Statement on the US Attack on Venezuela

TRANSCEND MEMBERS, 12 Jan 2026

Ela Gandhi – TRANSCEND Media Service

5 Jan 2026 – On 5 Apr 1930 Gandhiji wrote to a U.S. businessman:

“I want world sympathy in this battle of right against might.”

This was at the peak of the famous 1930 Salt March against British rule over India and the imposition of tax on salt. Today in the face of US aggression against Venezuela, and before that, Syria (19 Dec), Iraq (13 Mar), Iran (22 Jun), Nigeria (25 Dec), Yemen and Somalia, and the labelling of countries such as South Africa for genocidal intent against Afrikaners while ignoring genocide in Gaza, we are reminded of this quote and ask the question: Can the world stand by and allow this kind of aggression to continue?

The Salt March and its international mobilisation against colonialism contributed to the end to colonialism in many countries not least the independence of India. The world is once again poised against dangerous aggression against smaller countries, leading to tensions and conflictual situation worldwide.  This could easily lead to war and mayhem internationally.

We call on the North American people to distance themselves from this unprovoked aggression against other countries. We have to actively but peacefully oppose these conflictual policies pursued by the present US administration. There must be an international outcry against this policy of aggression to stop this aggressive behaviour before it descends into the ruin of the entire planet.

The United Nations was created, “to develop friendly relations among the various countries of the world and to maintain international peace”. It was created so that countries may be able to resolve conflicts peacefully. The present situation indicates a total disrespect for this very structure. We respectfully request the USA government to utilise the UN to bring about peaceful resolution of any disputes it may have instead of violating international laws by both attacking and kidnapping a democratically elected leader of another country.

This situation, if allowed to continue unchecked can lead to consequences unimagined. As peace organisations we urge the United Nations to urgently intervene and stop this aggression and carnage.

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Ela Gandhi is a member of the TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment, a granddaughter of the Mahatma and a native and resident of South Africa. She has been placed under house arrest for 8 years for political activism and was a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly from 1994 to 2003. She runs a newspaper and researches and collects information on Mahatma Gandhi and other heroes of the liberation struggle to compile them into documentaries for purposes of research and education. Serves in a voluntary capacity as:
-Chairperson, Gandhi Development Trust and Phoenix Settlement Trust (Founded by Mahatma Gandhi-now a National Heritage Site)
-Hon. International President of World Council on Religions for Peace
-Chancellor of Durban University of Technology
-Chairperson of Satyagraha and Trustee of Gandhi Development Trust
-Member of African National Congress’ Commission on Religious Affairs
-Vice Chair of International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON)
-Board member of the Legal Aid Board (LAB)

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 12 Jan 2026.

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