The military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have issued a strong joint condemnation of the United States' operation to seize and remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. The three West African nations, united under the Alliance of Sahel States, labeled the American action an "act of aggression" that violates international law.
Sahel Alliance Calls for UN Intervention
In a formal statement released on January 8, 2026, the alliance urged the United Nations Security Council to denounce the United States' move. They called on the international body to take steps to restore what they termed "international legality" in Venezuela. The bloc argued that the ouster of a sitting head of state sets a dangerous precedent and constitutes unacceptable interference in the sovereign affairs of another nation.
The declaration was signed by Captain Ibrahim Traore, the transitional President of Burkina Faso, who currently chairs the alliance. Traore had previously met with Maduro in Moscow in 2025 during events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II. The statement expressed the alliance's "solidarity with the Venezuelan people, whose sovereignty has been trampled upon."
Details of Maduro's Capture and Court Appearance
The condemnation follows confirmed reports that US special forces seized Maduro and his wife in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, on Saturday. They were subsequently flown to New York to face justice. Maduro is on trial facing charges related to alleged drug trafficking and weapons possession.
Appearing in a US court on Monday, January 8, 2026, the Venezuelan leader pleaded not guilty to all charges. In a dramatic statement to the judge, Maduro claimed he had been "kidnapped" by American forces, challenging the legality of his capture and extradition.
Geopolitical Repercussions and Future Concerns
This forceful action by the United States, under President Donald Trump, has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles, particularly among nations with strained relations with Washington. The Alliance of Sahel States, formed in 2023, has positioned itself as a bloc opposed to Western interventionism, making this condemnation a significant part of its foreign policy stance.
The situation has also sparked fears of further unilateral actions by the US. Following the operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," President Trump has openly discussed other strategic targets, notably mentioning Greenland as vital for US national security. This has led to widespread speculation and anxiety about the potential for increased global military and political instability.
The alliance's statement underscores a growing geopolitical divide and highlights how actions in one region, like South America, can resonate powerfully in another, such as West Africa. It remains to be seen how the United Nations Security Council will respond to this call from the Sahel states.
