Abuja, Nigeria – January 5, 2026
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, has voiced serious concern over the dramatic developments in Venezuela, where U.S. military action led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
In a statement issued on January 4 from its Abuja headquarters, ECOWAS emphasized respect for international law while acknowledging states’ rights to address transnational crimes.
“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the document stated.
It reminded the international community of the obligation to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, as outlined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
ECOWAS fully endorsed the African Union’s January 3 statement calling for restraint and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans.
The bloc reiterated solidarity with the Venezuelan people, urging all nations to respect Venezuela’s independence and supporting a peaceful, inclusive process for the country’s future.
President Julius Maada Bio, who has chaired ECOWAS since June 2025, has prioritized democratic governance, peace, and non-interference. His leadership aligns the West African body with broader African positions against external interventions, amid global condemnation of the U.S. operation that removed Maduro and installed an interim government.
As debates continue at the UN Security Council, ECOWAS’s call underscores Africa’s commitment to sovereignty and diplomatic resolutions in international crises.
