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Abuja — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern over recent developments in Venezuela, calling for restraint, respect for the country’s sovereignty, and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the regional bloc said it was closely monitoring the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela amid rising international tensions.
“ECOWAS has followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the Commission stated.
While acknowledging the right of states to combat international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS cautioned against actions that undermine international law and the principles of state sovereignty.
“While it recognises the right of states to fight international crimes, including terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community of its obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as enshrined in international law, especially Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.
Alignment with African Union Position
ECOWAS said it fully aligned with the African Union’s position on the crisis, referencing an AU statement issued on Saturday that called for restraint and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans.
“ECOWAS fully aligns itself with the statement issued by the African Union on January 3, 2026, which calls for restraint and inclusive dialogue among the people of Venezuela,” the Commission said.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the bloc urged all countries to respect Venezuela’s independence and territorial integrity.
“ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela,” it added.
The organisation further stressed that Venezuelans should be allowed to determine their future through peaceful and inclusive means.
“The Community expresses its support for the people of Venezuela as they shape the future of their country through an inclusive process,” the statement said.
US Operation and Political Fallout
The statement follows an overnight operation by the United States military, carried out on the orders of President Donald Trump, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized at their residence in Caracas and flown to the United States.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said Washington would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a leadership transition is arranged, describing the intervention as necessary to ensure what he termed a “proper transition.”
Trump also said US oil companies would be deployed to repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, while the existing US embargo on Venezuelan oil would remain in force. He added that American forces would remain on high alert.
However, the US president provided no clear details on how Washington intends to administer Venezuela, despite the continued presence of the country’s vice president, legislature, and military, all of whom have publicly opposed the US action.
The United States further stated that Maduro would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, the former Venezuelan leader has been indicted in New York on drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Interim Leadership Appointed
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s top court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, directing her to assume executive powers to ensure continuity of government.
In a ruling issued late Saturday, the court said Rodríguez would serve in an acting capacity while it considers the legal framework required to govern the country in Maduro’s absence and to safeguard national sovereignty.
