ICJ Acknowledges Guyana’s Request for Provisional Measures in Border Dispute with Venezuela

Guyana has formally requested provisional measures from the ICJ regarding the border dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region, citing concerns over Venezuela’s planned elections in the territory. The request aims to prevent Venezuela from any electoral activities and uphold the status quo while the case proceeds. This action follows a long-standing legal dispute rooted in the 1899 boundary arbitration.

On Thursday, Guyana submitted a Request for provisional measures to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the ongoing border dispute with Venezuela regarding the Essequibo region. This filing was prompted by Venezuela’s announcement of elections set to occur in the contested area on May 25, 2025.

In its petition to the Court’s Registry, Guyana expressed its concerns that Venezuela’s electoral plans would infringe upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Guyana highlighted that such actions would violate a prior ICJ Order issued on December 1, 2023, which mandated the maintenance of the territorial status quo.

Guyana stressed the urgency of its situation, fearing irreparable harm due to Venezuela’s electoral actions in the disputed territory. Therefore, the request entails that the ICJ implements provisional measures to hinder Venezuela from engaging in elections or related activities in the Essequibo.

Specifically, Guyana requests the Court to:
1. Prohibit Venezuela from any electoral activities, including the distribution of materials, naming candidates, setting up polling stations, or appointing election officials in the disputed area.
2. Prevent Venezuela from any attempts to annex or incorporate the Essequibo territory, either de jure or de facto.
3. Order Venezuela to maintain the current situation wherein Guyana administers and controls the disputed region.

This legal action follows years of disputes rooted in the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. Guyana had initially applied to the ICJ in 2018 to affirm the validity of this award and clarify the status of the disputed territory.

Venezuela has challenged the Court’s jurisdiction and has largely abstained from various proceedings. Nevertheless, the ICJ affirmed its jurisdiction in a 2020 ruling and denied subsequent Venezuelan challenges, allowing the court to address Guyana’s claims.

The dispute sharpened following a December 2023 announcement by Venezuela regarding a controversial “Consultative Referendum,” which proposed establishing a new state called “Guayana Esequiba” within the disputed region. The ICJ’s order from December 1, 2023, urged both nations to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or alter the territorial status quo.

Guyana’s latest request underscores the pressing need for the Court’s intervention to halt any further Venezuelan actions in the contested area. While the ICJ has yet to respond formally to this request, its acknowledgment of the submission signifies a crucial milestone within the ongoing legal process.

In summary, Guyana’s recent request for provisional measures at the ICJ regarding its territorial dispute with Venezuela underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the Essequibo region. The move seeks to avert electoral activities by Venezuela that may undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and is pivotal in determining the future of this contentious territorial issue. As the legal proceedings continue, the attention remains on the ICJ’s forthcoming decisions, which will have lasting implications for both nations.

Original Source: newsroom.gy