In an attempt to maintain its territorial integrity, Guyana has called upon the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene and halt Venezuela’s upcoming referendum on the Essequibo region. The referendum is scheduled for December 3. The ICJ in April ruled that it has jurisdiction to rule over this long-standing territorial dispute.
Carl Greenidge , Guyana’s agent underscored the severe implications of the referendum, and contended that it could lead to the annexation of the Essequibo region—constituting over two-thirds of Guyana’s territory The Guyana team emphasized that Venezuela’s actions is a classic case of annexation.
Political analyst have suggested that Venezuela’s government is using the referendum to gauge political support ahead of upcoming elections and to pressure international courts into recognizing its claims over the disputed border area. The discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border has rekindled Venezuela’s interest in Essequibo, with Guyana announcing significant offshore findings just last month.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, present at The Hague for the two-day hearing, vehemently opposed Guyana’s request, which she described as “unprecedented” and “barbarous.” In a state television broadcast, Rodriguez affirmed Venezuela’s resolve to proceed with the December vote, framing it as a safeguard against foreign interference in national constitutional processes.
As the situation escalates, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential ramifications of this dispute on regional stability and international law.