U.S. backs Guyana amidst dispute with Venezuela over disputed territory
Potential for a democratic dispute over oil-rich land, which could escalate into an armed conflict between Guyana and Venezuela, is on the horizon. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has already issued maps showing the disputed territory within Venezuela's boundary and made promises to reclaim these territories. The U.S. State Department has recently affirmed their support for Guyana's sovereignty.
8:36 AM EST, December 7, 2023
Formally known as British Guiana, Guyana gained independence in 1966 but still retains membership in the British Commonwealth. The British, upon occupying these territories in the 19th century, incorporated a region named Esequibo into the colony.
This region sparked a dispute as far back as the 19th century but conflict intensified when ExxonMobil discovered substantial oil reserves off Guyana's coast in 2015. These reserves are estimated to be more than 11 billion barrels.
Ever since that discovery, Venezuelan propaganda has persistently raised the issue of ownership. Misunderstandings are escalating and in 2018, at the request of Guyana, the United Nations took on the case. The dispute was then brought before the International Court of Justice.
Will a referendum determine the borderline?
In light of escalating tensions, the President of Guyana decided to hold a referendum. His country's citizens were given the opportunity to express their views on who owns Esequibo.
On the last Sunday, 95% of the participants voted for Esequibo to belong to Venezuela.
Merely two days after this contentious referendum regarding Guyana's disputed territory, the Venezuelan president presented a map that depicted this contested region within the borders of his country. He ordered for new maps to be circulated to schools and institutions.
In response to the situation, Maduro ordered state mining companies to commence exploitation of the natural resources in the Esequibo region, a territory that belongs to Guyana.
Despite pleas and orders from international organizations, the situation continues to escalate. Just last Friday, even before the Sunday referendum, the UN's International Court of Justice requested Venezuela to restrain from any actions that could worsen the situation in the territory administered by Guyana. But Maduro disregards these orders and has already begun issuing Venezuelan documents to Esequibo residents.
Are we on the brink of a war?
In reaction to the anticipated deployment of Maduro's armed forces to Esequibo and increasing tensions with Guyana, the Brazilian army enhanced its border security with additional troops and armored vehicles on Tuesday.
Other Latin American countries also fear the outset of conflict with the growing tension.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, discussing the concerning situation between Venezuela and Guyana. Blinken has confirmed that the USA maintains unwavering support for Guyana's sovereignty, according to the press statement.
