ICJ Hears Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute Over Essequibo

On 3 May 2026 International Court of Justice opened a hearing in The Hague on the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Guyana asked court to confirm that the 1899 arbitration award, which grants it 70 % of the Essequibo area, is binding. Venezuela will present opening remarks on Wednesday, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction.

Associated PressThe Straits TimesReutersGuyana fragments Venezuela’s “mishmash” memo for claim to Essequibo at World CourtVenezuela to attend UN court’s Essequibo hearings as it rejects jurisdictionGuyana and Venezuela square off at World Court over border linesGuyana tells World Court that Spain or Venezuela never ran Essequibo

The 1899 tribunal of Britain, Russia and United States awarded the Essequibo region to British Guiana. Venezuela later invoked the 1966 Geneva Agreement, claiming the award was void. In 2020 the ICJ affirmed its jurisdiction, permitting Guyana’s 2018 filing. Guyanese counsel also rejects any Spanish administration, noting Dutch settlement from 1598.

Associated Press

The disputed zone covers about 160,000 sq km (62,000 sq mi), roughly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and over 70 % of its territory. A 2022 census records 313,000 inhabitants, including nine indigenous groups. The area contains gold, diamonds, timber and offshore oil and gas discovered in 2015.

Guyana tells World Court that Spain or Venezuela never ran Essequibo

Guyana’s case is led by Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd, with legal advisers Pierre d’Argent, Donnette Streete and vice-president Carl Greenidge. Venezuela is represented by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. British professor Philippe Sands and attorney Edward Craven appear for Guyana.

Associated Press

Guyana’s officials say Venezuela’s claim threatens peace, security and development, and pledge to honor any ICJ judgment under the UN Charter. Venezuela’s foreign ministry argues the court lacks jurisdiction, calls the claim “unlawful” and urges direct negotiation.

Reuters

Guyana’s counsel describes Venezuela’s arguments as “lengthy, pointlessly controversial and confusing,” and dismisses the alleged Anglo-Russian collusion behind the 1899 award as “outlandish.”

Guyana fragments Venezuela’s “mishmash” memo for claim to Essequibo at World Court

Sources differ on jurisdiction, on the legitimacy of the 2023 Venezuelan referendum that rejected the court, and on compliance with the 2025 provisional order barring Venezuelan elections in the region.

Guyana fragments Venezuela’s “mishmash” memo for claim to Essequibo at World Court

• “This has been a blight on our existence as a sovereign state from the very beginning,” — Hugh Hilton Todd, Guyana Foreign Minister

Associated Press

• “The only path, we repeat, is direct negotiation, and sooner or later Guyana is obliged to sit down and negotiate with us,” — Yvan Gil, Venezuela Foreign Minister

The Straits Times

• “While the allegation of a secret Anglo Russian deal is outlandish, it is also instructive for it starkly demonstrates the unreliability of the claims made in the memorandum, which by way of speculation and nothing by way of substance.” — Philippe Sands, British law professor (representing Guyana)

Guyana fragments Venezuela’s “mishmash” memo for claim to Essequibo at World Court

• “The Spanish, they were nowhere to be found, not east of the Orinoco, at any rate.” — Carl Greenidge, Guyana Agent to the ICJ

Guyana tells World Court that Spain or Venezuela never ran Essequibo

Oral arguments conclude on 11 May 2026; the ICJ will deliberate and issue a final judgment in the coming months. The ruling will be binding, with enforcement dependent on action by the United Nations Security Council.

The Straits Times