GUYANA’S land and maritime boundaries have been internationally recognised for over 120 years. But for years, Venezuela has attempted to intimidate Guyana into surrendering Essequibo, which encompasses two-thirds of the country’s landmass. This conflict traces back to 1899—126 years ago—when the current borders were established during Guyana’s colonial era under British rule.

Recently, tensions have intensified due to Venezuela’s escalating aggression, particularly following the discovery of oil and gas reserves offshore. A notable incident involved a Venezuelan navy vessel unlawfully entering Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and approaching the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operated by ExxonMobil Guyana, where they falsely claimed that these operations occurred in disputed waters.

Guyana and key international allies, including the United States and France, condemned Venezuela’s aggressive actions. These nations reaffirmed Guyana’s status as a sovereign state and highlighted that Venezuela’s deliberate actions violate international law.

Despite Venezuela’s claims, it is essential to note that they have previously signed multiple agreements, starting in 1899, establishing the land demarcation between the two countries. To put this into perspective, the Anglo-Venezuelan Boundary Commission identified and fixed the boundary, which remained unchallenged for 63 years until Venezuela deemed the Award null and void.

In 2018, Guyana initiated legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, determined that a judicial settlement was the best course of action.

In December 2023, leaders from Guyana and Venezuela and several Latin American and Caribbean heads of state convened and mutually affirmed the desire for peace in the region. They agreed not to threaten or use force against one another regarding any current disputes.

Nevertheless, Venezuela continues to employ intimidation tactics against the people of Guyana to claim territory that rightfully belongs to them. However, successive Heads of State from Guyana have firmly asserted that all of Guyana’s territory is non-negotiable. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in a recent address following Venezuela’s intimidation, stated, “We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”

According to Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s Agent before the ICJ, a ruling could be delivered by 2026. Guyana is confident in its strong case and expects the ICJ to affirm the validity of the 1899 Award. Until that ruling is issued, Guyana remains a sovereign nation, and any attempts by Venezuela to undermine this status violate both Guyanese and international laws, disrupting the peace that the region currently enjoys.