VENEZUELA’S recent decision to promulgate the Organic Law for the “Defence of Essequiba” is not just an affront to the sovereignty of Guyana, but is also a destabilising move that threatens the peace and stability of the entire Caribbean region.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has rightfully echoed the concerns raised by President, Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana, calling on fellow Commonwealth member states to stand in solidarity with Guyana during this critical time.
Under this new law, Venezuela aims to assert control over two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory, effectively creating a new state within its own borders.

This blatant disregard for international law and diplomatic norms is deeply troubling.
By granting itself the power to elect a governor and allowing the National Assembly to legislate in this territory, Venezuela is escalating tensions and undermining the efforts to resolve the longstanding border controversy through peaceful means.
The decision by President Nicolás Maduro’s government directly contradicts the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023.

The ICJ’s ruling explicitly stated that Venezuela must refrain from taking any actions that would alter the current situation in the territory until a final decision is reached.
Venezuela’s latest move not only violates this order, but also undermines the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace signed by both countries in December. 2023.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General rightly emphasises that the ICJ process is the lawful and appropriate means to address this controversy.
The international community, including the Commonwealth, has consistently supported Guyana’s position and urged Venezuela to abide by the principles of international law.

However, Venezuela’s persistent disregard for these principles only serves to prolong the conflict and jeopardise regional stability.
It is worth remembering that the border between Guyana and Venezuela was settled by an arbitral tribunal in 1899, a decision that Venezuela accepted for over 60 years.

Despite decades of negotiations, Venezuela’s repudiation of the award upon Guyana’s independence in 1966 reignited tensions that have yet to be fully resolved.
The referral of the matter to the ICJ by the United Nations Secretary-General was a significant step towards a peaceful resolution, but Venezuela’s continued provocations undermine the credibility of international institutions and exacerbate the situation.

In light of Venezuela’s latest actions, it is imperative that the international community stands united in support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Commonwealth, along with other relevant stakeholders, must exert diplomatic pressure on Venezuela to abide by its international obligations and engage constructively in resolving the controversy through peaceful means. Failure to do so risks further escalation and instability in the region.

As responsible members of the global community, we cannot afford to ignore Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of peaceful coexistence. It is incumbent upon all nations to uphold the sanctity of international law and work towards a just and lasting resolution to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Anything less would be a betrayal of our collective commitment to peace, security, and justice.