The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, calling for restraint, respect for the country’s sovereignty, and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the regional bloc said it was closely monitoring the situation in the Bolivarian Republic amid heightened international tensions.
“ECOWAS has followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the Commission said, urging that actions taken against international crimes, including terrorism and drug trafficking, should not undermine international law.
The statement cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the obligation of states to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. ECOWAS also affirmed its alignment with the African Union’s position, issued on January 3, 2026, which called for restraint and inclusive dialogue among the people of Venezuela.
“ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela,” the statement added. The bloc further urged that Venezuelans be allowed to determine their country’s future through peaceful and inclusive means.
The warning comes following a controversial operation by the United States military, ordered by President Donald Trump, in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly seized at their residence in Caracas and flown to the United States.
Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, said the US would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a leadership transition is arranged, describing the intervention as necessary to ensure a “proper transition.” He added that US oil companies would be deployed to repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, while the existing embargo on Venezuelan oil would remain in force.
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The US indicated that Maduro would face charges in American courts, following an indictment in New York on drug trafficking and weapons offenses, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In the wake of Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s top court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, directing her to assume executive powers to maintain continuity of government. The court stated Rodríguez would serve in an acting capacity while legal frameworks are established to govern the country in Maduro’s absence and safeguard national sovereignty.
ECOWAS called on the international community to exercise restraint and allow Venezuelans to resolve the crisis through peaceful and inclusive measures.