Confederation of Sahel States Condemns US Armed Attack on Venezuela

West Africa WeeklyJanuary 8, 20261 Mins read82

The Confederation of Sahel States, known by its French acronym AES, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent armed operation carried out by the United States of America against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In a communiqué released on January 8, the AES expressed deep concern over the military action that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, an operation the Sahel bloc described as a serious violation of international law and state sovereignty.

The AES noted in its statement that the use of armed force by one state against another’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence is unacceptable and constitutes an act of aggression. The organisation underscored that such conduct, particularly when carried out unilaterally by a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, undermines the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and poses a threat to the stability of the international order.

In its communiqué, the Sahel confederation called on the United Nations Security Council to fully assume its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The AES urged the Council to condemn the US military action clearly and work towards restoring legality in international relations. The statement also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to a world order based on equality among sovereign states, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The AES further expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, whose sovereignty it said had been violated in the course of the attack. The confederation emphasised its attachment to multilateralism and the strict respect of international legal frameworks as fundamental to ensuring collective security and lasting peace. By aligning itself with these principles, the AES places itself among regional and international voices calling for restraint, respect for state sovereignty, and a reversal of escalatory actions that could have far‑reaching consequences for global stability.