The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela, following reports of a United States military operation in Caracas that allegedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
In an official communiqué issued from Abuja on January 4, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep concern over the escalation of the Venezuelan crisis, warning that unilateral actions risk further destabilizing both the country and the international system.
Commitment to International Law
ECOWAS reaffirmed the primacy of international law in addressing global security threats. While acknowledging the right of states to combat transnational crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, the bloc stressed that such efforts must comply strictly with United Nations Charter provisions—particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
The Commission cautioned that unilateral military interventions could erode established norms and set dangerous precedents in global affairs.
Alignment with the African Union
The regional body explicitly aligned its stance with the African Union, citing an AU communiqué issued on January 3, 2026, that called for restraint by all parties and rejected military escalation as a solution to Venezuela’s internal political challenges.
Call for Inclusive Dialogue
ECOWAS emphasized that Venezuela’s political and social challenges can only be resolved through a peaceful, inclusive process led by Venezuelans themselves. It urged domestic stakeholders to engage constructively in dialogue aimed at national reconciliation and long-term stability—without external military interference.
Solidarity with the Venezuelan People
Reiterating solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the bloc affirmed their right to self-determination and to decide their political future free from coercion, underscoring that sustainable peace is best achieved through nationally owned solutions supported—not imposed—by the international community.
The statement comes amid sharply polarized global reactions to the reported U.S. operation, with several Western allies backing political transition efforts, while others—including Russia, China, the African Union, and ECOWAS—condemn the action as a breach of sovereignty and international law.
