The recent meeting between Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro culminated in a peaceful resolution for the longstanding Essequibo border dispute. Both parties have agreed to a pacific settlement with the stipulation of no forceful action against each other. The agreement was made following an entire day of talks held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
This diplomatic assembly was also attended by Brazillian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, St. Vincent in the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley. The meeting incorporated representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), thereby adding an additional layer of international involvement to the talks.
The final accord, labeled as the Declaration of Argyle, clearly stipulates that neither Guyana nor Venezuela will resort to force in any disputes arising between both nations. It also lays out a path for addressing the ongoing contention surrounding the Essequibo region, which is currently administered by Guyana but also claimed by Venezuela. Both nations have agreed to approach this situation in line with the 1966 Geneva Agreement.
According to the 1966 agreement, a “mixed commission” was established to resolve the dispute that has spanned centuries. In addition, both nations have agreed to abstain from escalating any conflicts on this matter. In the event of any diplomatic incident, the debatable case will be communicated with CARICOM, CELAC, as well as the Brazilian president.
However, there is a noted difference in the attitudes of both countries towards the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In 2018, the ICJ took up the dispute following a referral from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Yet, in a recent referendum held by Venezuela, the jurisdiction of ICJ was rejected by its voters.
Further escalation of the Essequibo dispute has taken place in recent years because of found oil reserves in the disputed region. The President of Venezuela, Maduro, even directed the state-run oil companies to initiate petroleum exploration in the region. Due to the renewed conflict, Brazil recently increased its military presence alongside the Venezuelan border while Guyana put its armed forces on alert for any possible invasion.
The Essequibo border dispute has its roots entrenched in history dating back to 1899 when the Essequibo region was awarded to Guyana by a tribunal consisting of US, UK, and Russian arbiters. Nevertheless, Venezuela contends that the award was replaced by the 1966 agreement.
The representatives of both nations are now expected to reconvene in Brazil within the upcoming three months.