Guyana Seeks ICJ Intervention Over Venezuelan Elections in Disputed Essequibo Region

Guyana has requested intervention from the ICJ regarding Venezuela’s election plans in the disputed Essequibo region. The Venezuelan parliament’s law to declare Essequibo as its state, which Guyana rejects, intensifies the existing territorial dispute. Guyana maintains that past arbitration determines its claim over the region, particularly after significant oil discoveries.

On Thursday, Guyana formally requested intervention from the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Venezuela’s announcement of planned elections in the disputed Essequibo region. Venezuela intends to hold gubernatorial elections on May 25 that include Essequibo, despite it being administered by Guyana for over a century. A recent non-binding referendum in Venezuela indicated 95 percent approval of the territorial claim to Essequibo, escalating tensions between the two nations.

The Venezuelan parliament previously enacted a law to designate Essequibo as its 24th state, a decision rejected by Guyana and other countries. In response to Venezuela’s electoral plans, Guyana has sought judicial measures to ensure Venezuela refrains from actions affecting its territory, including Essequibo, which accounts for two-thirds of Guyana’s land and harbors 125,000 of its citizens.

Guyana narrows its historical claims, stating that the borders of Essequibo were established through an arbitration decision made in 1899. Venezuela, however, argues that the Essequibo River has defined the border since 1777. The contest regarding the territory intensified following the discovery of extensive oil reserves in Essequibo by ExxonMobil in 2015, driving Guyana to auction oil blocks in the area and securing it as the nation with the highest crude reserves per capita worldwide.

In December 2023, the ICJ had previously granted Guyana’s request for provisional measures to restrain Venezuela from pursuing claims or actions regarding Essequibo. Guyana’s foreign ministry condemned Venezuela’s electoral intentions as a direct violation of this previous court ruling and has urged for a prompt hearing. Furthermore, the recent incident involving U.S. condemnation of Venezuelan naval maneuvers perceived as threatening to ExxonMobil’s operations in the maritime area claimed by Guyana illustrates the rising geopolitical tensions.

In summary, Guyana has escalated its appeal to the ICJ regarding Venezuela’s plans to conduct elections in the contested Essequibo region. This reflects ongoing disputes rooted in historical territorial claims that have gained urgency with the discovery of oil reserves. The situation continues to develop with international implications, requiring judicial oversight to address these tensions.

Original Source: www.gonzagabulletin.com