tension between Venezuelan and Guyana over Essequibo spans a vast 160,000 square kilometers, rich in forests and minerals. It has grown beyond a simple bilateral quarrel. At the request of Guyana’s president, Irfaan Ali, the United Nations Security Council is discussing precautionary measures behind closed doors this Friday. Ali said Caracas had promised an action plan concerning the disputed region, highlighting an apparent threat to territorial integrity. The UN meeting coincides with two notable developments: a United States Southern Command air exercise in Guyana and a US statement that Nicolás Maduro is nearing a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The region fears escalation. A recent gunfight underscored the volatility, and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged all parties to prevent a conflict. In remarks closing the Mercosur summit, Lula emphasized that war must be avoided and that peace is essential to create wealth and raise living standards for people in the area.
Venezuela has long claimed Essequibo, a dispute dating back to the late 19th century with UN arbitration on record. The issue cooled under Hugo Chávez as he pursued broader regional leadership. Interest surged again in 2015 after the discovery of substantial offshore oil reserves off Venezuela, with ExxonMobil beginning operations four years later. Analysts project notable economic growth for Venezuela, despite a volatile trajectory, and many foresee GDP gains in the coming years amid a population of around 800,000.
new tensions
Tensions intensified after a controversial public consultation drew half the electorate. There were discussions about annexing the disputed territory. Venezuela has already included Guayana Esequiba on its maps and urged its state oil company PDVSA to issue operating licenses there. Maduro’s government proposed granting Venezuelan citizenship to roughly 125,000 residents in the area, a move seen by opponents as risky and provocative.
Officials warned that such steps threaten Guyana’s sovereignty and political independence, leading to a call for Security Council action to implement measures designed to safeguard stability in the region.
Moscow takes the stage
With these tensions, Maduro is slated for a trip to Moscow. Kremlin spokespersons suggested a December meeting could fit into broader Venezuela-Guyana dialogues, stressing a neighborly approach and peaceful, mutually acceptable solutions. Foreign ministry advisers echoed the idea that the issue should be resolved through constructive diplomacy rather than force. Commentary in regional media framed the visit as a critical moment for the crisis in the South American corridor.
Commentators across the political spectrum weighed in. A prominent opposition figure warned that escalating tensions could be used to derail electoral processes. The political landscape remained charged as discussions about sanctions and eligibility rules continued, while negotiations sponsored by international actors offered a potential path away from outright confrontation. A new law born out of public consultation could bar individuals accused of supporting Georgetown’s position from holding public office, adding another layer to the domestic political dynamic surrounding Essequibo.
London speaks
Venezuelan defense leadership criticized the US air exercises, accusing external actors of provoking the conflict and suggesting that oil interests may be driving maneuvers. Official statements also connected recent incidents to broader regional instability, asserting that such actions will not deter Venezuela from pursuing its long-term aims regarding Essequibo. Local media reported casualties in a helicopter incident during a troop visit near the border, fueling further tensions and international concern.
London stepped into the discussion with caution. The foreign secretary urged restraint, noting that the 1899 border arrangement had been established long ago and arguing against unilateral moves. Critics in Caracas linked some Western commentary to Brexit-era debates and historical arbitration, reminding audiences of the enduring dispute that began at a different historical moment. The Geneva Agreement of 1966 is often cited in analyses of the legal framework surrounding Essequibo, though opinions remain divided on how to proceed.