By Mark DaCosta- Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have unequivocally condemned Venezuela’s plan to conduct elections within Guyana’s Essequibo region, denouncing it as a blatant violation of international law and an affront to Guyana’s territorial integrity.
On 27 January 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and National Electoral Council Chairman Elvis Amoroso announced intentions to hold elections on 27 April 2025 in Guyana’s Essequibo region. This move aims to establish a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” for what Venezuela calls the “Guayana Esequiba State,” a territory Venezuela illegally purported to annex in the previous year.
CARICOM leaders, during their summit from 19 to 21 February 2025, expressed grave concern over these developments. They underscored that such actions in Guyana’s territory contravene general principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the 1 December 2023 Order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the agreements reached in the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela. The leaders urged Venezuela to desist from attempting to carry out elections or intruding in any other way into Guyana’s sovereign territory.
The Essequibo region, encompassing approximately 160,000 square kilometers, has been administered by Guyana since the 1899 Arbitral Award, which definitively settled the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. Despite this, Venezuela has persistently laid unfounded claims to the territory, escalating tensions over the years. Maduro’s latest maneuver not only undermines Guyana’s territorial integrity but also disregards established international protocols.
In December 2023, both nations signed the Argyle Agreement, committing to peaceful dialogue and refraining from actions that could exacerbate the territorial dispute. Venezuela’s unilateral decision to hold elections in Essequibo flagrantly violates this accord, casting doubt on its commitment to diplomatic resolutions.
Moreover, the ICJ issued an order on 1 December 2023, directing both countries to maintain the status quo in the disputed area and avoid actions that might aggravate the situation. Venezuela’s election plan stands in direct defiance of this binding directive, challenging the authority of the ICJ and the principles of international law.
Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has rightly condemned Venezuela’s actions, emphasising that the people of Essequibo are Guyanese nationals residing within Guyana’s sovereign territory. Any attempt by Venezuela to conduct elections there constitutes a severe breach of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental tenets of state sovereignty.
According to local and international analysts, this aggressive posture by Venezuela not only threatens regional stability but also sets a dangerous precedent for international relations. The global community must hold Venezuela accountable for its actions and reaffirm the sanctity of international agreements and judicial decisions. Respecting established borders and honoring diplomatic commitments are essential for maintaining peace and order in the international arena.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for Venezuela to cease its provocative actions, adhere to international law, and engage in constructive dialogue with Guyana to resolve the territorial dispute amicably. Failure to do so risks further isolation and condemnation from the global community, international observers say.
The recent attack on 17 February 2025, where an armed group from Venezuela assaulted members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) along the border, resulting in injuries to six soldiers, further exacerbated the volatile situation. Such acts of aggression underscore the urgent need for a robust response by Guyana’s government and our international partners to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty.
In the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly under the current U.S. administration’s isolationist stance, Guyana must reassess its strategic alliances. The traditional reliance on the United States as a guardian of security and democracy is no longer assured. Consequently, our government should proactively strengthen diplomatic and military ties with other democratic nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and members of the European Union, to fortify our defense and uphold democratic principles.
CARICOM leaders have welcomed Venezuela’s submission of its counter-memorial on 8 April 2024 regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and Guyana’s subsequent reply on 9 December 2024. They encourage Venezuela to submit its rejoinder by 8 August 2025, in compliance with the ICJ’s scheduling order, reaffirming their unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and the judicial process as the means for peacefully resolving the controversy.
Guyana’s move to the ICJ in March 2018, seeking a declaration that the 1899 Award is final and binding on both states, came after decades of unsuccessful mediation. Venezuela’s continued provocations, including the seizure of Guyanese fishing boats and interference with oil exploration activities, highlight the pressing need for a definitive legal resolution to this longstanding dispute.
It must be emphasised that as a nation, we must remain vigilant and united in defending our territorial integrity. The international community’s support, coupled with strategic diplomatic engagements, will be crucial in countering Venezuela’s unlawful claims and ensuring peace and stability in our region.
