Guyana and Venezuela Vow to Resolve Fierce Oil-Rich Territory…..

In December 2023, the longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region reached a pivotal moment when both nations agreed to renounce the use of force and seek peaceful resolutions in accordance with international law.

This commitment marked a significant step towards easing tensions that have persisted for over a century.

Historical Context of the Dispute

The origins of the Guyana-Venezuela territorial dispute trace back to the 19th century. In 1899, an international arbitration tribunal established the boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela, awarding the Essequibo region to British Guiana. Venezuela, however, has long contended that this arbitral award is null and void, asserting claims over the Essequibo territory, which encompasses approximately 159,500 square kilometers west of the Essequibo River.

The dispute simmered throughout the 20th century, with occasional flare-ups. In 1966, the Geneva Agreement was signed, establishing a framework for resolving the controversy. Despite this agreement, the issue remained unresolved, leading to intermittent diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Recent Escalations and Diplomatic Efforts

The discovery of significant oil reserves off the coast of Guyana in the 2010s intensified the dispute. In 2015, ExxonMobil announced a major oil find in Guyanese waters, heightening the strategic importance of the region. Venezuela responded by reiterating its claims over the Essequibo territory, leading to increased diplomatic friction.

Tensions escalated further in 2023 when Venezuela conducted a referendum proposing the annexation of the Essequibo region. Although the turnout was reported to be low, the Venezuelan government declared overwhelming support for the annexation, prompting concerns from the international community about potential conflicts.

In response to these developments, regional leaders and international organizations facilitated diplomatic dialogues to prevent escalation. On December 14, 2023, a high-level meeting was convened in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, mediated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela participated in the talks, alongside representatives from Brazil, Colombia, and the United Nations.

The Joint Declaration of Argyle

The December 2023 meeting culminated in the issuance of the “Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela.” Key points of the declaration included:

1. Renunciation of Force: Both nations agreed not to threaten or use force against each other under any circumstances, including those arising from existing controversies.

2. Commitment to International Law: The parties committed to resolving their disputes in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

3. Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence: Both countries emphasized the importance of good neighborliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean.

This declaration was lauded by the international community as a constructive step towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Subsequent Developments

Despite the commitments made in the Joint Declaration, tensions resurfaced in early 2025. In January, Venezuela completed the construction of a bridge linking its mainland to a military base on the disputed Ankoko Island, prompting formal protests from Guyana. Guyana asserted that the bridge violated its sovereignty, as it connected to a base built on Guyanese territory.

Further escalating the situation, in late February 2025, a Venezuelan coastguard vessel entered Guyanese waters near an offshore oil facility operated by ExxonMobil. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali characterized the incursion as a grave threat to the nation’s territorial integrity and initiated a military response, while also lodging diplomatic protests. The United States and the Organization of American States (OAS) expressed support for Guyana, condemning Venezuela’s actions and urging respect for international law.

International Legal Proceedings

Amid these tensions, Guyana has sought recourse through international legal mechanisms. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been engaged to adjudicate the dispute, with Guyana seeking a final and binding resolution. In January 2025, Guyana petitioned the ICJ to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with plans to elect a governor for the Essequibo region, arguing that such actions violated the December 2023 agreement and international law.

Regional and Global Implications

The Guyana-Venezuela border dispute has broader implications for regional stability and international energy markets. The Essequibo region’s rich oil reserves have attracted global attention, with major corporations like ExxonMobil investing heavily in exploration and production. The dispute also intersects with geopolitical dynamics, as countries like Brazil and the United States have expressed vested interests in the stability and security of the region.

Brazil, sharing a border with both countries, has heightened its military readiness in response to the escalating tensions. In December 2023, Brazil’s Defense Minister José Múcio indicated that the country was prepared to take “more energetic measures if necessary” to ensure its territorial integrity, reflecting concerns about potential spillover effects from the Guyana-Venezuela dispute.

Conclusion

The agreement between Guyana and Venezuela in December 2023 to renounce the use of force