Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned CARICOM about the dangers posed by Guyana’s collaboration with U.S. Southern Command. Amid escalating tensions over oil exploration in the disputed Essequibo region, Maduro asserted that Venezuela is prepared to defend its historical territorial rights, expressing concerns over potential military aggression stemming from these alliances.
On December 10, 2024, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro cautioned the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the collaboration between Guyana and the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). He urged CARICOM nations to remain vigilant against perceived provocations from SOUTHCOM, emphasizing Venezuela’s preparedness to defend its historical territorial claims. Tensions have escalated between Venezuela and Guyana, particularly due to Guyana’s oil exploration endeavors in the disputed Essequibo region, an area Venezuela asserts has belonged to it since its independence.
The Essequibo dispute has intensified following Guyana’s oil discoveries, with ExxonMobil extracting significant amounts of oil from the region. Consequently, Venezuela held a referendum in December 2023, affirming its historical claims regarding the Essequibo Strip, which Guyana interpreted as a move towards annexation. Despite signing the “Argyle Declaration” to avoid armed conflict and engage in dialogue, Maduro remains concerned over Guyana’s military affiliations, particularly its recent cooperation with U.S. Southern Command.
As U.S. military presence in the region grows, including the provision of military resources to Guyana, Maduro perceives these developments as potential threats to Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He accused President Irfaan Ali of potentially violating the Argyle Declaration and aligning with U.S. military interests, suggesting possible preparations for aggression against Venezuela. In his remarks commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho, Maduro reaffirmed Venezuela’s resolve to protect its claims and sovereignty, linking current geopolitical tensions to historical struggles against imperialism.
The geopolitical tensions between Venezuela and Guyana have been primarily driven by competing territorial claims over the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area that has become the focus of significant oil exploration led by ExxonMobil in partnership with Guyana. The dispute has historical roots dating back to the 19th century, with Venezuela asserting its claim based on colonial-era treaties. In recent years, Guyana’s discovery of oil reserves and its collaboration with U.S. military forces have exacerbated the situation, with Venezuela expressing concerns over national security and potential foreign intervention. The ongoing legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice regarding the dispute further complicate the relationship, as both nations seek to affirm their respective stances through international law.
In summary, the dialogue between Maduro and CARICOM highlights the growing tensions arising from Guyana’s alliances with U.S. military forces, amidst ongoing territorial disputes. Maduro’s warnings reflect deep-seated concerns over national sovereignty and historical claims to the Essequibo region. As legal proceedings unfold and foreign military partnerships strengthen, the implications for regional stability remain significant, raising important questions regarding the future of Venezuela’s territorial claims and security.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
