By; Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Sahel Alliance Slams US Arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro, Calls It Unacceptable Interference
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have strongly condemned the arrest of Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, by United States forces, describing the action as a dangerous violation of international law and an attack on national sovereignty.
In a joint statement issued by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the three West African countries said Maduro’s arrest in Caracas and transfer to the United States amounts to “unacceptable interference” in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.
The bloc, formed in 2023 by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS, accused Washington of using military force to impose its will on Venezuela.
“The seizure of President Nicolás Maduro is a clear act of aggression and a breach of international legality,” the statement said. “It sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”.
The statement was signed by Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who currently chairs the alliance.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have remained high for years, largely over allegations of drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and human rights abuses levelled against the Venezuelan leadership.
The United States has repeatedly imposed sanctions on Venezuela and refused to recognise Maduro’s presidency following disputed elections.
Over the weekend, US special forces reportedly carried out an operation in Caracas that led to Maduro and his wife being flown to New York, where he is facing charges related to alleged drug and arms trafficking. Maduro has denied the allegations and described his arrest as a “kidnapping”.
His court appearance on Monday marked a dramatic escalation in the long-running standoff between both countries.
Sahel states demand UN action
The Sahel alliance urged the United Nations Security Council to intervene and condemn the operation, calling on the international community to act swiftly to restore what it described as “international legality” in Venezuela.
The bloc also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, saying their democratic rights and sovereignty had been trampled upon.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have in recent years strengthened diplomatic ties with countries opposed to Western influence, including Venezuela and Russia.
Captain Traoré met Maduro in Moscow last year during events marking the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
The three Sahel nations said the arrest reflects a wider pattern of foreign intervention and warned that such actions threaten global peace and stability.
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