A Venezuelan warship’s incursion into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone on March 1 heightened tensions in a long-standing territorial dispute. Guyana condemned the action, mobilizing its military and receiving international support, while Venezuela claimed its waters were the subject of a contested maritime zone. The conflict has seen various escalations, including Venezuelan referendums and military buildups, alongside efforts to establish dialogues and reduce tensions. The international community’s role is vital in addressing these provocations and maintaining regional stability.
On March 1, a Venezuelan warship intruded into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, approaching the Liza Destiny oil facility and demanding details from its crew. This incident heightened tensions in the long-standing conflict between both nations. Guyana, with the backing of the international community, condemned the action and deployed its military in defense of national sovereignty, while Venezuela asserted that these waters were part of a disputable maritime zone, denying any breach of Guyana’s sovereignty.
Over the past year and a half, tensions regarding the Essequibo territory have escalated, highlighted by a referendum initiated by the Venezuelan National Assembly in September 2023 to create “Guayana Esequiba.” This occurred despite an International Court of Justice directive forbidding Venezuela from any actions until a ruling. Following a contentious December referendum, Maduro’s regime sought to consolidate domestic support by appealing to a historically bipartisan issue. Concurrently, Guyana challenged the legitimacy of this referendum. In an agreement during a meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, both countries’ leaders aimed to decrease tensions and avoid conflict.
Despite de-escalation attempts, tensions persisted. In December 2023, the UK dispatched a warship to enhance diplomatic support for Guyana, prompting regional military exercises from Venezuela. Reports indicated the Maduro regime violated the Argyle Accords by building troop presence near the border. Following the passing of a law seeking to declare control over “Guayana Esequiba,” Guyana swiftly reacted, maintaining its sovereignty over the territory.
Maduro’s focus on the Essequibo dispute can be viewed as an internal consolidation tactic and a means to gauge international reactions. Increased military activities in the region serve to solidify military support within Venezuela amidst ongoing political challenges, particularly before the upcoming presidential elections. Additionally, a show of military strength may serve to distract from domestic issues and create a united front by invoking territorial disputes with Guyana.
Historically, Venezuelan and Guyanese claims over maritime territories have been fraught with conflict. The contested areas have involved multiple incidents, including past governmental interventions with vessels conducting oil exploration. The March 1, 2025, incident represents a marked escalation, as the Venezuelan warship asserted jurisdiction over waters well within Guyana’s recognized territorial limits, highlighting Venezuela’s aggressive posture regarding foreign oil operations.
The role of the international community is pivotal for resolving the ongoing dispute. Without active support from regional and United States players, Venezuela may continue its aggressive stance, destabilizing the region further. Maduro’s efforts to draw the United States into negotiations reflect a strategy to leverage geopolitical dynamics, although the recent diplomatic stances from the U.S. suggest a focus on regional stability over international conflicts. This creates a pressing need for coordinated international responses to deter further Venezuelan provocations.
The tension between Venezuela and Guyana stems from historical territorial disputes exacerbated by recent aggressive military maneuvers by Venezuela. Guyana’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty has garnered international support, yet the necessity for coordinated diplomatic efforts remains critical to prevent further escalation. As internal and external pressures mount, the geopolitical implications of the dispute demand attention from regional players and global actors alike to ensure stability and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.csis.org
