AFC calls for urgent action to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity and Armed Forces

The Alliance For Change (AFC) is calling for urgent measures to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and the well-being of its armed forces following an attack on military personnel near the Venezuela border on Monday, February 17, 2025.

In a statement issued today, the AFC reiterated its strong support for the actions of the State and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as they work to safeguard the nation’s borders.

The party condemned the assault on GDF members by armed gang members, which it says underscores the escalating risks faced by the nation’s armed forces as they carry out their duties.

The AFC emphasised the need for heightened protective measures, both in terms of defense capabilities and logistical support, to ensure that the armed forces are better equipped to respond to future threats.

The party has called for the immediate deployment of the recently approved $50.4 billion budget allocation to strengthen the GDF’s deterrent capacity.

“It is evident that significantly enhanced defensive and protective measures and support are required to avoid any possible repetition or escalation of the recent events,” said the AFC in its statement.

In addition to strengthening military capacity, the AFC is also urging swift diplomatic engagement. The party called on the Government to inform international and regional partners of the incident, highlighting the potential risk to Guyana’s sovereignty and the need for global attention to the situation.

“The AFC remains committed to the protection of Guyana’s territorial integrity and will support any appropriate steps to deter assaults on our sovereignty,” the statement continued.

The AFC also extended its gratitude to the nation’s armed forces, particularly the soldiers affected by the attack. The party expressed well wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded personnel and called on the government to ensure they receive the necessary medical and emotional support as they recover from the ordeal.

“We salute our brave soldiers and wish our wounded a speedy recovery,” the AFC concluded.

The AFC’s call for urgent measures follows a violent incident on February 17, 2025, in which members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were attacked by an armed gang on the Cuyuni River, near the Venezuelan border. The assailants, believed to be linked to Venezuelan forces or other criminal elements, opened fire on the GDF boat during a routine supply run.

Multiple soldiers were injured in the attack and required medical evacuation to Georgetown for urgent care. This marks a significant escalation in tensions along the border region, where concerns over territorial security have been rising amid long-standing disputes with Venezuela over the region of Essequibo.

The AFC’s call reflects growing concerns about the safety of the nation’s armed forces and the broader implications for national security.