The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have jointly expressed deep concern over recent developments in Venezuela following a United States–led military intervention under President Donald Trump that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the country’s first lady, Cilia Flores.
In separate statements issued in Addis Ababa and Abuja, the AU and ECOWAS warned against actions that undermine national sovereignty and called for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law amid rising tensions in the South American nation.
The AU, in a communiqué on Saturday, said it was monitoring with “grave concern” reports of the abduction of President Maduro and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions in the wake of the invasion. The continental body reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of international law, including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
It further stressed the need for dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks, noting that Venezuela’s complex internal challenges could only be sustainably resolved through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
The AU also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and preserve regional peace and stability.
Aligning itself with the AU position, ECOWAS, in a statement issued on Sunday, said it had followed developments in Venezuela with concern, particularly in the context of the U.S.-led intervention. While acknowledging the right of states to combat international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, the West African bloc cautioned that such efforts must not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states.
ECOWAS reminded the international community of its obligations under international law, especially Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The bloc reiterated its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urged all countries to respect the nation’s independence as Venezuelans work to determine their future through an inclusive political process.
On Friday, the crisis in Venezuela escalated after a United States–led military operation ordered by U.S. President Trump, which reportedly targeted key Venezueluelan security and government installations. The operation, described by Washington as part of efforts to combat international crime, drug trafficking and alleged threats to regional security, culminated in the arrest of President Maduro and his first lady.
