1 Comment 
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), currently under the Chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, has issued a formal statement expressing deep concern over the unfolding situation in Venezuela following the dramatic detention of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces.
In a communique released on Sunday, the regional bloc emphasized the primacy of international law, specifically invoking Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
While acknowledging the “right of states to fight international crimes, including terrorism and drug trafficking,” the statement warned that such obligations must not supersede the respect for national sovereignty. ECOWAS confirmed it fully aligns itself with the position taken by the African Union on January 3, calling for “restraint and inclusive dialogue” among Venezuelans.
“ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela,” the statement read, adding support for an inclusive process to shape the country’s future.
The ECOWAS intervention comes in the wake of a stunning military operation launched by the United States earlier this weekend, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve.” In a pre-dawn raid on Caracas, U.S. special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, transporting them to New York to face federal charges.
U.S. prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging Maduro with leading a “narco-terrorism” conspiracy, accusing the Venezuelan leadership of converting the state into a criminal enterprise that trafficked thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. in collaboration with the Cartel de los Soles.
The operation has drawn sharp division on the global stage. The White House has defended the move as a necessary law enforcement action against a “illegitimate dictatorship” threatening American security.
President Donald Trump, recently inaugurated for a second term, stated the U.S. would temporarily manage the country’s transition, a comment that has sparked intense debate regarding the legality of the intervention under international norms.
By the power of Allah maada Bio you will be the next person that Donald Trump will capture inshallah
And our celebration will be more than the people of Venezuela I promise you.
The problems you have course are more than the formal president of Venezuela.
God will judge.