The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised serious concerns over recent developments in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States and reported military strikes on the capital, Caracas.
In a statement released late Sunday, the regional bloc called on the international community to respect Venezuela’s sovereignty, emphasizing the need to uphold the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
ECOWAS also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, stating its support for their efforts to determine the future of their nation through an inclusive and peaceful process.
According to reports, US forces over the weekend detained President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a military operation that many legal experts have described as illegal. The couple were reportedly transferred to New York City, where they are being held in a Brooklyn detention facility on charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism.
US President Donald Trump has since declared Washington’s intention to take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, stating that the United States would administer the country temporarily.
While acknowledging the right of states to combat international crime, ECOWAS urged all nations to adhere strictly to international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use or threat of force against other states.
The bloc said it aligns with the African Union’s position, which has called for restraint, dialogue, and engagement, including talks among Venezuelans themselves, to resolve the crisis peacefully.
