ECOWAS Responds 48 Hours After Maduro’s Arrest

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), currently headed by Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, has urged the international community to respect the sovereignty of Venezuela, nearly 48 hours after the arrest and unlawful abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States forces.

In a statement issued in Abuja on January 4, 2026, the ECOWAS Commission, presided by President Bio, said it had followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the January 3 operation in which U.S. special forces reportedly entered the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and removed President Maduro and his wife to the United States over alleged drug-related offences.

ECOWAS Communicado

While acknowledging the right of states to combat international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS emphasised that such actions must be conducted in line with established international legal frameworks. 

“ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community of its obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, as enshrined in international law, especially Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.

The regional bloc said it fully aligns itself with the African Union’s position issued on January 3, 2026, which called for restraint and inclusive dialogue among the people of Venezuela amid the unfolding political crisis.

“ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela,” the Commission said.

It added that the organisation supports the Venezuelan people “as they shape the future of their country through an inclusive process.”