Guyana Warns It Would Go to UN Security Council if Fight with Venezuela Escalates
Both Guyana and Venezuela are caught in a heated dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo border territory, and tensions have reached a point where Guyana is now warning it will seek the intervention of the UN Security Council. The announcement came from Guyana’s Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who made it clear that any further escalation of the conflict would prompt the country to take the matter to the highest international body.
In response to the warning, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addressed the referendum results and expressed his support for the Venezuelan people’s stance on the issue. He emphasized the significance of the Consultative Referendum and its role in fighting for the Guayana Esequiba and reclaiming what he believes rightfully belongs to Venezuela.
The territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela dates back several years but intensified in the wake of ExxonMobil’s discovery of oil in the region. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently declared its jurisdiction over the matter, signaling the potential for a resolution that would determine the rightful ownership of the disputed territory.
In April, the ICJ ordered the Venezuelan government to refrain from taking any action that could alter the current situation in Essequibo. The court also called on both parties to avoid any actions that could exacerbate or prolong the dispute. However, President Maduro has openly rejected the court’s injunction, further escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.
To address the situation, Guyana plans to invoke Articles 41 and 42 of the UN Charter, which grant the Security Council the authority to impose military action and sanctions. Attorney General Nandlall stressed the importance of resolving the matter peacefully and expressed his desire for intervention from the international community. He also called on the United States to step back and allow Guyana and Venezuela to find a peaceful resolution.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of Guyanese citizens formed human chains, demonstrating their desire to remain part of Guyana. The participants proudly displayed Guyana’s flags and wore T-shirts proclaiming, Essequibo belongs to Guyana. President Irfaan Ali assured the Guyanese people that they had nothing to fear.
As this border dispute continues to unfold, both countries remain locked in a battle for control over the valuable Essequibo territory. With Guyana’s warning to seek UN Security Council intervention, the stakes have been raised, and the international community will be closely watching the next developments in this ongoing political saga.
