Venezuela Defends Claim to Oil-Rich Essequibo Region at UN Court

Venezuela has taken its long-running territorial dispute with Guyana to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, as the South American nation seeks to defend its claim over the resource-rich Essequibo region.

Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, arrived in the Netherlands ahead of hearings at the United Nations’ top court, where both countries are presenting arguments over ownership of the disputed territory.

The Essequibo region, which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana, is rich in gold, diamonds, timber and offshore oil reserves. The area has been administered by Guyana for decades, but Venezuela insists the territory rightfully belongs to it based on historical claims dating back to the Spanish colonial era.

The dispute centers on an 1899 arbitration ruling that awarded the territory to what was then British Guiana. Guyana argues the ruling legally settled the border issue, while Venezuela claims the decision was fraudulent and invalid. Caracas maintains that the 1966 Geneva Agreement effectively reopened negotiations over the territory.

Guyana first brought the matter before the ICJ in 2018, seeking legal confirmation of the 1899 border ruling. However, Venezuela has repeatedly questioned the court’s authority to decide the issue, arguing that the dispute should instead be resolved through direct negotiations between both countries.

The case has gained global attention in recent years following major offshore oil discoveries near the disputed territory, turning the region into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil zones. Tensions between the neighboring countries escalated in 2023 after Venezuela held a referendum supporting the creation of a Venezuelan state in the Essequibo area.

Speaking ahead of the hearings, Venezuelan representatives argued that the country has an “inalienable right” to the territory, while Guyana warned that Venezuela’s claims threaten its sovereignty and national security.

The ICJ is expected to deliver a final and legally binding ruling in the coming months, though enforcement of such decisions largely depends on the United Nations Security Council.