In light of recent political developments in Venezuela, it is important to clarify their relevance to this committee. Despite ongoing changes within the Venezuelan political landscape, the country’s position on the Essequibo territory remains a rare point of consensus across both the Maduro-aligned government and the opposition. As both sides continue to assert Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo regardless of leadership, the core legal issues before this committee remain unchanged. 

Introduction

On March 29, 2019, Guyana filed a case against Venezuela at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and Venezuela submitted its response on August 11, 2025. The ICJ is expected to hear Guyana’s case in 2026 before issuing a ruling. Political developments in Guyana have also influenced the dispute. In September 2025, Guyana held its general election, with results showing strong support for the government’s position on the Essequibo and widespread opposition to Venezuela’s claims. At the same time, tensions have increased because of major oil discoveries in the area.

Venezuela’s Rejoinder and US Relations

Venezuela’s response is called a rejoinder, which is the final written document submitted by a party, responding to the new arguments raised by the other side’s reply before oral hearings begin. Yet, on August 11, 2025, Venezuela’s Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela would ignore the ICJ’s final ruling. This shows that even if the Court sides with Guyana, Venezuela may not follow the ruling. The legal process can move forward, but real change may be hard.

Further, US President Trump argued in December 2025 that Venezuela stole oil that he claims belonged to the US and that the US should reclaim those resources. This statement has been criticized by the Maduro regime as an infringement on Venezuelan sovereignty. Trump later seized one of Venezuela’s oil tankers sanctioned by the US. These sanctions have been in place since 2019. In response, the US seized a second sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast in international waters. US actions may influence Venezuela’s and Guyana’s legal positions. This may hurt the ICJ’s ability to resolve the dispute.

Guyana claimed that it will accept the Court’s final ruling, no matter the outcome. But now, Venezuela seems to be changing its tone to control the Essequibo region. Since Venezuela has now filed its rejoinder, the Court’s process will move closer towards a verdict. Yet, US involvement may make this process more difficult.

Guyana’s General Elections and Oil Discoveries

Guyana re-elected President Irfaan Ali in September 2025. Ali is opposed to Venezuela’s views on the Essequibo region. During the election period, Guyana claimed that a boat holding ballots was shot at from Venezuela’s shore. Venezuela rejected having any ties to the shots fired. Though Venezuela denies this involvement, this example shows how tense relations have become.

Ali’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won by a wide margin. The PPP has used oil revenue to improve Guyana’s infrastructure, healthcare, and access to education. Regardless, President Ali must act to cut poverty. Guyana still has some of the highest poverty levels in Latin America. About 58 percent of the people in Guyana live below the country’s poverty line. Yet, Guyana is now one of South America’s top oil producers. This is largely because of the Essequibo region and its oil reserves. Guyana produces 750,000 barrels of oil per day and is a major petroleum exporter.

Guyana’s economy is growing rapidly thanks to new offshore oil discoveries that have made it an increasingly important producer. Venezuela, despite holding the world’s largest oil reserves, has seen its production and economic output decline due to long-term underinvestment and political instability.

Conclusion

By understanding recent events, the case of Guyana v. Venezuela becomes clearer. Venezuela’s legal response to Guyana now moves the ICJ’s process forward towards the next steps. Hearings are expected to begin over the coming months. Yet, Venezuela’s rejoinder shows that tensions have only increased. Both countries have opposite views on the Essequibo region. Guyana’s voters showed a strong opposition to Venezuela’s views. And while Guyana’s economy is growing, Venezuela is struggling to keep up. The ICJ is needed to settle this dispute.

Bibliography

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