The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday voiced concern over the unfolding crisis in Venezuela after the United States seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and carried out strikes in the capital, Caracas.
In a statement, the West African bloc urged the international community to respect Venezuela’s independence and territorial integrity, and said it stood with Venezuelans “as they shape the future of their country through an inclusive process.”
Washington says Maduro and Flores were flown to New York, where they are being held in a Brooklyn jail and face charges linked to drug trafficking and terrorism.
US President Donald Trump has said the United States will assert control over Venezuela’s oil reserves and claimed Washington would run the country “for the time being.”
ECOWAS said it recognizes the right of states to combat international crime, but stressed that action must comply with international law, citing Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which bars the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states.
The bloc said it aligns with the African Union’s call for restraint and dialogue, including among Venezuelans themselves.