In a surprising turn of events, Venezuela has claimed sovereignty over a swathe of neighboring Guyana after a referendum held on December 3, 2023. The disputed land, called Essequibo, is an oil- and mineral-rich area that has been administered and controlled by Guyana for decades. The referendum asked Venezuelan voters five questions about the future of the disputed land, including whether they support turning it into a Venezuelan state. The “yes” vote in the non-binding referendum was 95 percent, according to officials.
The Historical Context:
Essequibo, a region endowed with vast natural resources, has been a longstanding point of contention between Venezuela and Guyana. The historical roots of this dispute trace back to the colonial era, with conflicting territorial claims muddying the waters. Over decades, Guyana maintained control over the area, exploiting its oil and mineral wealth to foster economic development.
The Background
Venezuela has long laid claim to Essequibo, which makes up more than two-thirds of the territory of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens. Guyana, a former British and Dutch colony, insists the frontiers were determined by an arbitration panel in 1899.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has warned Caracas against “annexation” of the territory called Essequibo, which has long been ruled by Guyana. The court has not issued a decision yet, but even if it rules against Venezuela, Maduro’s government intends to hold the election
The Referendum
More than half of eligible Venezuelan voters took part in the referendum that yielded overwhelming support for laying claim to the oil-rich border region administered by neighboring Guyana. More than 10.4 million out of 20.7 million eligible voters cast their ballots, National Electoral Council president Elvis Amoroso said. The figure of 10.4 million announced by Amoroso, accompanied by Maduro, is the highest turnout ever in a Venezuelan election. It remains unclear how Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will enforce the results of the vote.
The Referendum’s Five Crucial Questions:
The Venezuelan referendum posed five critical questions to its citizens, probing their sentiments about the future of Essequibo. Among these questions was the pivotal inquiry regarding whether the disputed land should be incorporated as an official Venezuelan state. The resounding 95 percent affirmative response has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, triggering concerns about the stability of the region.
Guyana’s Response
Guyana sees the referendum as a case of annexation and asked the International Court of Justice on November 14 to halt parts of the vote. The court is still years away from ruling on Guyana’s broader request to deem the 1899 border decision as valid and binding. In the meantime, Essequibo resident Jacqueline Allicock has one question for Venezuelan voters: “Why would you want to take away something that doesn’t belong to you?”
Guyana will remain vigilant after a Venezuelan referendum rejected an international court’s jurisdiction over a territorial dispute between the neighboring countries, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo said. The U.S. State Department said it supports a peaceful resolution of the dispute and that the issue could not be solved by a referendum.
International Reactions:
The international community has responded with a mix of concern and condemnation. Guyana, which has governed Essequibo for years, vehemently rejects the results, denouncing the referendum as a violation of international agreements. The United Nations has called for restraint and dialogue, urging both nations to seek a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.
Economic Ramifications:
Essequibo’s significance lies not only in its geopolitical implications but also in its economic potential. The region’s vast oil and mineral reserves have fueled Guyana’s economic growth, attracting international investments. With Venezuela’s claim, uncertainty looms over the fate of existing contracts and agreements, creating a ripple effect in the global economic landscape.
Regional Stability Concerns:
The dispute has heightened tensions in an already politically delicate region. Nearby countries, wary of potential spillover effects, are closely monitoring developments. The Organization of American States (OAS) has convened an emergency session to address the escalating crisis, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution that respects international law.
Venezuela’s Justification:
Venezuela justifies its claim to Essequibo by asserting historical rights and the will of its people, as expressed in the overwhelming “yes” vote. President [Name] argues that the referendum reflects a legitimate desire for reunification with a territory that, according to Venezuelan officials, rightfully belongs to their nation.
Potential Paths Forward:
As the international community grapples with the fallout, diplomatic efforts are underway to explore potential paths forward. Mediation, dialogue, and adherence to international law remain essential components of any resolution. The coming weeks will likely see intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and finding common ground between the two nations.
Conclusion:
The referendum result, announced on December 4, 2023, came after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) warned Caracas against “annexation” of the territory called Essequibo, which has long been ruled by Guyana. Venezuela has for decades laid claim to Essequibo, which makes up more than two-thirds of the territory of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens. The referendum has raised tensions between the two countries, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
The sovereignty claim over Essequibo by Venezuela, endorsed by a staggering majority in the recent referendum, marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of South America. The implications of this decision extend beyond the borders of Venezuela and Guyana, impacting regional stability and economic dynamics. As the international community navigates this diplomatic challenge, the quest for a peaceful resolution remains paramount, with the hope that dialogue will prevail over discord in addressing this complex and long-standing territorial dispute.
Read also: Red sea showdown : Houthi rebels escalate, US ships targeted
Comments 1