The Implications of Venezuela’s Naval Incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone
On March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan warship entered Guyana’s EEZ, escalating a long-standing conflict over the Essequibo territory. While Guyana condemned the action, Venezuela refuted claims of violating sovereignty, framing the waters as disputed. Tensions have intensified due to a Venezuelan referendum, military build-ups, and strategic maneuvers aimed at consolidating internal and external support for the Maduro regime, with implications for international diplomacy and regional stability.
On March 1, a Venezuelan naval vessel intruded into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), approaching an ExxonMobil oil facility and demanding information from its crew. This incident marked a significant escalation in the ongoing territorial conflict between Venezuela and Guyana. While Guyana condemned the incursion and activated its military, asserting its commitment to sovereignty, Venezuela defended its actions as part of a disputed maritime zone.
Over the past year and a half, tensions surrounding the Essequibo territory have fluctuated, with instances of heightened conflict. Despite the International Court of Justice’s directive for Venezuela to avoid provocative actions, a Venezuelan referendum aimed at creating a state called “Guayana Esequiba” was initiated in September 2023. Following this, Guyana contested the legality of the referendum, while Venezuela fortified its military capabilities on Anacoco Island.
In response to these developments, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro agreed to the Argyle Accords in December 2023, which focused on de-escalation. However, tensions erupted again when the UK dispatched a warship for support, provoking Venezuela to prepare for military exercises and mass troop movements. In April 2024, Maduro signed a bill to formalize state control over “Guayana Esequiba,” prompting further challenges from Guyana.
The Maduro regime’s renewed focus on the Essequibo dispute appears to be a strategy to rally internal support by presenting an external threat. Prior to elections, there was evidence of troop build-up in the region aimed at exerting pressure on Guyana for negotiations. By escalating tensions, Maduro seeks to reinforce loyalty within the armed forces while trying to dissuade the United States from taking a stronger stance against Venezuela.
Interestingly, the recent naval incursion is distinct from past incidents. Venezuelan claims continuously overlap with Guyana’s maritime borders; however, the March 1 incident marked a provocative stance by Venezuela as it approached vessels operating well outside the disputed borders and claimed them as its own. This move is particularly critical as Guyana’s oil production is on the rise and may soon surpass Venezuela’s capacities.
The role of the international community is crucial in managing this crisis. Venezuela’s provocations are likely to continue unless there are assurances of support from regional and U.S. stakeholders. The United Kingdom has shown commitment to supporting Guyana, while Brazil and China could also play influential roles in mediating the dispute. A unified international approach is essential to deter further military actions and stability in the region.
The naval incursion by Venezuela into Guyana’s EEZ signifies a complex escalation in a long-standing territorial dispute, intricately tied to national sovereignty, oil exploration rights, and international relations. Both countries are drawn into a geopolitical tug-of-war, where regional and global powers’ involvement could influence the outcome. Continued international engagement and a coordinated response are imperative to mitigate tensions and promote stability in the Caribbean.
Original Source: www.csis.org
