“Territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana: the two countries are sticking to their positions”
In a context where territorial tensions are still present in South America, Venezuela and Guyana once again find themselves face to face to resolve their dispute over the Essequibo, an oil-rich territory claimed by both countries.
During a meeting held in Brasilia, the Venezuelan and Guyanese foreign ministers clearly expressed their respective positions. Venezuela called on Guyana to reject external interference in the conflict and favor a diplomatic resolution. For its part, Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to peacefully resolve the controversy, by resorting to the International Court of Justice.
This territorial dispute has seen an increase in tensions in recent months, notably with the launch of oil tenders by Guyana in September 2023. In response, Venezuela organized a referendum on a possible annexation of the Essequibo in December of the same year.
The two countries remain stuck to their positions. Guyana considers that it is sovereign over its entire territory and that the resolution of this conflict requires the International Court of Justice. Venezuela, for its part, maintains that the Geneva agreement signed in 1966 provides for negotiations outside the ICJ, and believes that the Essequibo River should be the natural border.
This territorial dispute is of particular importance because Essequibo is a 160,000 km2 region rich in oil and natural resources. It represents two-thirds of Guyana’s land area and has a population of approximately 125,000.
Brazil has positioned itself as a mediator in the crisis, given that it shares borders with both countries. Although the meeting in Brasilia did not result in an agreement, it allowed both parties to express their differences and highlight the issues at stake in this territorial dispute.
Thus, the path towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict still remains uncertain. The multiple interests at stake and the firm positions of the two countries make the situation complex. It is important to closely monitor the development of this affair which could have consequences for the stability of the region.