The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed deep concern following an armed attack on members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by assailants positioned on the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni River. The incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2024, with gunfire exchanged between the GDF personnel conducting a routine patrol in the area and armed Venezuelans stationed on the opposite bank of the river, in Venezuelan territory.
The PNCR/APNU commended the soldiers for their bravery in defending the nation’s borders, expressing full support for those who sustained injuries in the attack. “We wish our brave soldiers who were injured a full and speedy recovery,” the statement read.
The incident is the latest in a series of border skirmishes between the two countries, which have been ongoing for decades due to the longstanding territorial controversy over the Essequibo region.
This controversy, dating back to the 19th century, was partially resolved in the 1899 Arbitration Award, which awarded Guyana control over the Essequibo region. However, Venezuela has never accepted the decision, claiming the territory as its own. This unresolved conflict has led to periodic flare-ups of violence along the border, especially in areas like the Cuyuni River, where the attack occurred.
The Cuyuni River, which serves as part of the border between the two nations, has been a focal point of such tensions due to its strategic location and proximity to mineral-rich areas, which are of economic and territorial importance to both countries. Armed incursions and threats of violence have occurred in this region before, making it a highly sensitive area for military operations.
In response to the attack, the PNCR/APNU has called on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government to launch a full investigation into the incident and to urgently review and strengthen the country’s defense arrangements along the Guyana/Venezuela border.
“We call on the government to urgently launch a full investigation into the incident and to thoroughly review and ramp up the country’s security and defense arrangements along the Guyana/Venezuela border,” the opposition urged.
The PNCR/APNU advocates for the GDF to be equipped with modern weaponry and enhanced surveillance technology to prevent further attacks and strengthen national security.
“The GDF must be provided with more effective and modern weaponry, inclusive of surveillance technology and rapid response capabilities,” the statement continued, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of the military and their ability to respond to threats swiftly and effectively.
The Opposition also emphasised that the government must adopt a proactive stance when it comes to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, not only responding to crises as they arise but taking steps to ensure continuous vigilance along the border. “We must quickly learn and adapt from this incident,” the PNCR/APNU added.
This attack comes at a time when Guyana has been focusing on expanding its oil and gas industry, particularly in the waters off the coast of the Essequibo region, which has only added to the geopolitical tensions with Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has frequently protested Guyana’s oil exploration activities, claiming that the disputed region includes valuable underwater oil reserves.
The PNCR/APNU has reaffirmed its strong commitment to defending Guyana’s borders and territorial integrity, standing firmly in support of the GDF. The Opposition said it remains uncompromising and resolute in defense of Guyana’s borders and territory,” as the opportunity was taken to salute the bravery of the soldiers who protect the nation.
The PNCR/APNU’s call for the government to take swift and decisive action underscores the urgency of addressing the heightened security risks along the Guyana/Venezuela border, which the government has failed to address in any structured and coherent manner. The situation remains volatile, resulting in many calling for international efforts to help temper Venezuelans’ aggression until the International Court of Justice rules on the border controversy before it. The controversy was taken to the Court by the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo administration in April 2018.
