United Nations — Liberia on Monday, January 5, 2026, presented the position of the African members of the UN Security Council, known as the A3, on the crisis in Venezuela, reaffirming their commitment to sovereignty, regional stability and dialogue.
Speaking during a Council session, Liberia’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Lewis, said the A3 aligned itself with a recent African Union communiqué on developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and was closely monitoring the situation with “deep concern.”
He noted reports regarding the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as incidents involving state institutions, warning that such developments pose serious challenges to Venezuela’s internal stability and its broader development. The situation, he added, also has implications for peace and security across the region.
Ambassador Lewis stressed that the A3 remains firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law, including full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as enshrined in the UN Charter. He described these principles as essential foundations for regional stability, international peace and effective cooperation among nations.
The Liberian envoy said the A3 believes a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the crisis can only be achieved through constructive dialogue among the various parties, grounded in mutual respect. He called on all actors, both within Venezuela and in the wider international community, to exercise restraint, uphold international law and avoid actions that could escalate tensions or threaten regional stability.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Lewis said the A3 stands ready to support efforts within the Security Council, and in cooperation with regional partners, to help facilitate a peaceful, inclusive and lasting resolution to the situation in Venezuela.
