Expresses Solidarity With Venezuelan People, But Failed To Mention US/Trump By Name

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) today, Sunday, January 4, 2026 issued a strongly worded statement against the United States strikes on Venezuela on Saturday and the capturing of President Nicolas Maduro,. questioning the action and indicated that such action is a violation of Sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Although the statement did not mention the United States nor its President Donald Trump, ECOWAS said:

“While it recognizes the rights of states to fight international crimes including terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community about their obligations 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 United States on Sunday confirmed that it conducted strikes inside Venezuela moments after several explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and other parts of the country. Videos showed a column of smoke and many buildings on fire after the explosions. A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela by the office of President Nicolas Maduro. Live Update: Venezuelan President, Wife Dragged From Bedroom By US Forces – Report

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is due to hold an emergency meeting on the prevailing situation in Venezuela called by Columbia, a state in South America which shares a thousand miles border with Venezuela.

One of the ECOWAS states, Liberia is current a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council.

BELOW IS FULL TEXT OF ECOWAS STATEMENT: