The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced serious concern over recent events in Venezuela, calling on the international community to fully respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on January 5, 2026, the West African regional bloc recognised that nations have a legitimate right to fight international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking.
However, ECOWAS stressed that these efforts must never violate another country’s sovereignty or borders. It highlighted the importance of following Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which bans the use or threat of force against any independent state.
The organisation fully supported a similar statement from the African Union issued on January 3, 2026, which urged all sides to show restraint and engage in inclusive dialogue to ease the growing tensions inside Venezuela.
ECOWAS’s intervention reflects Africa’s united stance on protecting national sovereignty while promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts.
