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Guyana is accusing Venezuela of attacking its soldiers along the Cuyuni River. This river runs through an area of the Essequibo region both countries claim.
From May 13 to 15, armed men in civilian clothes fired at Guyana Defence Force (GDF) troops from the Venezuelan side. Luckily, no Guyanese soldiers were hurt, and they responded as needed.
Guyana’s Foreign Ministry sent an official message to Venezuela asking for an investigation. They want those responsible to be caught and punished. Guyana also reminded Venezuela of a similar attack that happened on February 17. The government says it will raise this issue again with the international community and continue to watch the area carefully.
“These attacks from across the river are not acceptable,” a spokesperson said. “Venezuela needs to stop these acts and control what happens on its side.”
Old Border Dispute Gets Worse
These attacks are part of a much older fight over a large area called the Essequibo region. This land covers about two-thirds of Guyana and is rich in oil and other resources. Venezuela says it belongs to them, even though an international ruling in 1899 gave it to what was then British Guiana.
Venezuela claims the 1899 decision was unfair. The issue became worse in recent years after oil was found offshore in Guyanese waters. In 2018, Guyana took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which agreed in 2020 to handle the case. Venezuela refused to fully join the process and held a 2023 vote saying Essequibo is theirs.
Since then, there have been more soldiers near the border, harsh words from both sides, and now, shooting incidents.
Here are the key facts about the “contested” area.
Governance: Essequibo is fully administered by the Government of Guyana. Local government structures, police, schools, and courts all function under Guyanese law. The road signs are in English, not Spanish.
Language and Currency: The people speak English, use Guyanese dollars, and follow Guyanese rules and systems—including education and civil services.
Infrastructure and Services: All roads, public services, schools, hospitals, and official institutions in Essequibo are run by Guyana, not Venezuela. There’s no Venezuelan infrastructure or presence.
Venezuelan Control: Venezuela has no physical presence, no local government officials, and no public institutions operating in the region, and there is no Spanish-speaking minority in the territory.
International Recognition: The United Nations, International Court of Justice (ICJ), CARICOM, the United States, the UK, and most of the international community recognize Essequibo as Guyanese territory—pending a final legal resolution.
Venezuela’s claim is historic and political, not practical. While Venezuela promotes its claim at home and even held a non-binding referendum in 2023, this has no effect on day-to-day life in Essequibo
Other Countries Are Paying Attention
These events are worrying for the whole region. Guyana has support from CARICOM, the U.S., and the U.K. They all back Guyana’s claim and want the ICJ to settle things legally. Venezuela has a few supporters in left-wing Latin American groups, but many other countries are now distancing themselves.
With global attention now on this border, some hope that outside pressure may stop further violence and encourage a peaceful end to the dispute.
Source: Guyana PIS.
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