The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed concern over recent events in Venezuela and called on all states to respect the country's independence and territorial integrity. This was stated in a press release issued by the organization.
"While recognizing the right of states to combat international crimes, including terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community of its obligation to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the community's statement read.
The document noted that these principles are enshrined in international law, primarily the UN Charter. ECOWAS also stated its full alignment with the position of the African Union (AU), as expressed in its January 3 statement, which calls for restraint and comprehensive dialogue among Venezuelan citizens.
Earlier, the AU expressed concern over U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela's capital and the military's abduction of the president. Solidarity with the people of Venezuela was expressed by the foreign ministers of Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Angola, Niger, Comoros, Chad, Ghana, The Gambia, and Senegal.
The Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso and Mali, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré and Abdoulaye Diop, also condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela and expressed support for the country's authorities. Additionally, the attack on Caracas was condemned by South Africa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the issue.
On the morning of January 3, media reports emerged of explosions in Caracas and military aircraft over the Venezuelan capital. Later, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil Pinto stated that the United States had attacked a number of civilian and military targets in Venezuela. The country's authorities declared a state of emergency.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out airstrikes on Caracas and announced that U.S. military forces had captured and removed the President of Venezuela and his spouse from the country.
