January 5, 2026 | Abuja / West Africa — Dalena Reporters
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, January 4, 2026, issued a formal statement urging the international community to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of international law amid the escalating political and security crisis in Venezuela, a crisis triggered by recent foreign military action and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The regional bloc’s position underscores its commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution through dialogue.
In its communiqué from Abuja, ECOWAS said it had been watching developments in the Bolivarian Republic with “deep concern” and reiterated that while sovereign states retain the right to combat international crimes including terrorism and drug trafficking such efforts “must not undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states” as enshrined in **Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
The West African bloc emphasised that respect for national independence and non-interference should guide all actions by states, adding that any measures to address the crisis in Venezuela must be consistent with established international norms and legal obligations. ECOWAS aligned its stance with a similar African Union appeal issued on January 3, which highlighted the importance of inclusive political dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes among Venezuelans themselves.
Urging restraint and sober diplomacy, ECOWAS reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and expressed confidence that Venezuelans should be empowered to determine their own future through an inclusive political process, rather than through actions that could further fracture national cohesion or set dangerous precedents for sovereign states.
The regional body’s response reflects broader diplomatic concern within Africa and beyond over the ramifications of foreign military interventions without broad international consensus, underscoring a preference for negotiated political solutions and respect for international law amid complex internal crises.