The Government of Guyana has expressed strong concern over Venezuela’s recent provocative actions and statements, which it claims violate key international agreements, including the December 14, 2023 Argyle Agreement and the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear that these violations could have serious consequences for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in light of Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region where the territorial controversy exists.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana decried Venezuela’s actions, emphasising that the Argyle Agreement, signed in the presence of regional and international stakeholders, clearly committed both nations to avoid escalating the territorial controversy and refraining from actions that could aggravate the situation. This included a commitment to refrain from actions that could alter the current status of the territorial controversy, pending the resolution of the issue through international law.
However, the announcement by Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on January 7, 2025, to hold an election for a “Governor of the Guayana Esequiba” in Guyana’s sovereign territory represents a clear violation of these agreements. Guyana has firmly rejected the Venezuelan plans, calling them a direct challenge to both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s Order. The Foreign Ministry has stressed that the people of the Essequibo region are Guyanese nationals living in Guyana’s internationally recognised territory, and no outside nation has the right to impose such decisions upon them.
The Ministry’s statement highlighted the breach of international law, emphasising that it would be a “flagrant violation” for Venezuela to hold elections or take any administrative actions in Guyana’s sovereign territory. The United Nations Charter enshrines the principle that no nation can unilaterally alter the borders of another, and such actions by Venezuela undermine the most basic principles of international law. The ICJ, in its December 2023 ruling, directed that both Guyana and Venezuela must refrain from any actions that could modify the situation in the Essequibo territory, yet President Maduro’s election announcement disregards these provisions.
Additionally, the Foreign Ministry noted that any actions by Venezuela to integrate the Essequibo region into its administrative framework, particularly through the election of a governor, would violate the ICJ Order and could jeopardise the ongoing judicial process. The statement further indicated that if Venezuela pursues its plans to conduct an election in the Essequibo region, Guyana reserves the right to seek additional provisional measures from the ICJ to protect its territorial integrity.
However, amid these escalating tensions with Venezuela, there are growing concerns about the Government of Guyana’s lack of engagement with the Opposition and civil society on this ongoing territorial threat. The absence of a national dialogue and an engaged populace on this critical issue does not bode well for national unity, which is essential to effectively repel external threats and safeguard the country’s sovereignty. The Opposition and various civil society groups have expressed concerns about being excluded from discussions related to the Venezuela controversy and other issues of governance, including equitable management of the oil wealth, which many see as intertwined matters of national security that requires a united front.
Some critics argue that the Government’s failure to engage these stakeholders in meaningful dialogue risks deepening political divisions at a time when national unity is most needed. The territorial controversy with Venezuela is not just a diplomatic issue; it is a matter that affects the entire nation, and all sectors of society, including the Opposition and civil society, should have a voice in shaping the country’s response. Without a unified approach, Guyana risks undermining its position both domestically and internationally in the face of this persistent external threat.
As tensions rise, the Government of Guyana is urging Venezuela to immediately cease its actions that violate both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ Order. The Government assures that Guyana remains open to engaging in constructive dialogue under the agreed frameworks but made it clear that it cannot and will not accept any unilateral actions that threaten its sovereignty.
With the looming threat from Venezuela, it is imperative for Guyana’s leaders—across political and civil society lines—to set aside differences and work together to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and ensure the peaceful resolution of the controversy in line with international law. The future of Guyana’s sovereignty and its position in the küresel community may very well depend on the strength of its internal unity in facing external challenges.