Guyana defending its territory through diplomacy and international law

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ON December 9, Guyana announced that it submitted a legal brief to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its territorial controversy with Venezuela. This filing, which responded to Venezuela’s counter-memorial, reaffirmed Guyana’s stance: the 1899 Arbitral Award that established the boundary between the two nations is final, binding, and entirely valid.

The ICJ has set a deadline of August 11, 2025, for Venezuela to present its written submission, bringing the matter closer to resolution through a legal process Guyana has consistently championed. The controversy stems from Venezuela’s unfounded claim first raised in 1962, that the 1899 arbitral award is null and void. The award, resulting from an internationally recognised arbitration process, was accepted by both Venezuela and Britain—then Guyana’s colonial administrator—for 63 years.

Both parties collaborated on demarcating the boundary, with a joint report and map signed in 1905. Yet in 1962, as Guyana approached independence, Venezuela introduced a spurious claim based on a posthumous memorandum written by a junior American lawyer who alleged, without evidence, that the award resulted from political collusion.

This claim has since morphed into Venezuela’s aggressive campaign to seize the Essequibo region, which constitutes two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. Over the years, Venezuela has resorted to intimidatory tactics, including military posturing, to force Guyana into submission. Despite these provocations, Guyana has consistently sought peaceful resolution through diplomacy and international law.

The Argyle Declaration, signed by Presidents Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro, marked a necessary step in de-escalating tensions. So too has been the ICJ’s order prohibiting Venezuela from taking control of the territory administered by Guyana, showing how useful international law is for the protection of Guyana’s interests.

Guyana’s respect for the rule of law has been evident in its commitment to the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which provided a framework for resolving the controversy. After decades of failed efforts, the matter was referred to the ICJ in 2018 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. While Venezuela has repeatedly rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction, the court has affirmed its authority to adjudicate the case and settle the controversy definitively.

Guyana’s defence diplomacy remains a critical tool for safeguarding its sovereignty. By fostering strong international partnerships, Guyana has secured robust support from key global players who respect the rule of law. Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have affirmed the ICJ’s jurisdiction and condemned Venezuela’s aggression.

The presence of ExxonMobil, a major U.S. corporation, in Guyana’s oil sector has helped strengthen that nation’s interest in preserving Guyana’s territorial integrity. Venezuela’s aggression, including the interception of an ExxonMobil-contracted seismic vessel in 2018, demonstrates how urgent it is for the controversy to be resolved to ensure the uninterrupted development of Guyana’s resources.

A promising development is the anticipated appointment of Florida Senator Marco Rubio as the United States’ Secretary of State under the upcoming Trump administration. Rubio has demonstrated a deep commitment to peace and stability in Latin America and has been a strong advocate for Guyana. From championing a fair electoral process in 2020 to calling for increased U.S. support for Guyana’s petroleum development, Rubio’s track record suggests that his leadership will further strengthen U.S.-Guyana relations.

Guyana’s seat on the United Nations Security Council has also been instrumental in showcasing its commitment to international law and diplomacy. By highlighting its desire for peace and global stability, Guyana continues to earn the respect and support of the international community.

Guyana must remain steadfast in its defence diplomacy. Maintaining strong partnerships with allies such as the United States and advocating for international law at every forum are essential to countering Venezuela’s baseless claims. The international community’s condemnation of Venezuela’s actions and its support for the ICJ process reaffirm that Guyana is on the right side of history.

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