Venezuela Accuses Guyana of Illegal Oil Concessions in Disputed Territory

Venezuela accuses Guyana of granting illegal oil exploration concessions in disputed territory, reserving the right to take diplomatic action. Guyana claims satellite imagery shows Venezuelan military movements near the border.

The government of Venezuela has accused neighbouring Guyana of granting illegal oil exploration concessions in territory that the two nations are disputing. Venezuela's statement on Sunday came after Guyana said on Saturday that it has satellite imagery showing Venezuelan military movements near the South American country's eastern border with Guyana.

Guyana Claims Military Buildup

Guyana's claim of a military and infrastructure buildup was not denied by Venezuela's statement. Instead, Venezuela asserted its right to strengthen its border forces. Venezuela alleged that Guyana had granted illegal oil concessions in a maritime area that Venezuela claims as its own.

ExxonMobil Continues Production

Despite the escalating territorial dispute, oil giant ExxonMobil has announced that it will continue to ramp up production in offshore fields off Guyana. The two sides have been feuding over border lines for decades, with Venezuela laying claim to the mineral-rich Essequibo region, which covers about two-thirds of Guyana's surface area.

Accusations of Breaching Peace Agreement

Both Venezuela and Guyana have accused each other of breaching a peace agreement signed in the Caribbean in December to ease tensions over border demarcation lines. The Argyle Agreement, signed on the island of St Vincent, stipulated that the two countries would refrain from using force or threatening each other. The talks were brokered by Brazil and Caribbean governments.

Satellite Images Show Infrastructure Improvements

Recent developments have been highlighted by satellite images posted by the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which show Venezuela expanding its base on Ankoko Island, half of which Venezuela seized from Guyana in the mid-1960s, and nearby Punta Barima, less than 80 kilometres from the Guyana border. The images reveal significant infrastructure improvements, including roads and other facilities, near the two areas.

Guyana's Response

Guyana's Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, stated that Guyana will continue to respect the Argyle Declaration and hopes that Venezuela will do the same. Guyana maintains that an 1899 international boundary commission settled the border demarcation once and for all. However, Venezuela has accused the commission of cheating it out of the Essequibo region for more than 60 years.

Guyana Seeks International Ruling

Guyana has taken the issue to the World Court in the Netherlands for a definitive ruling, while Venezuela prefers direct bilateral talks as the way forward. The Venezuelan defence ministry recently accused Guyana of threatening the St Vincent agreement through irresponsible actions and media deception, reiterating that the Essequibo belongs to Venezuela.

Upcoming Summit and US Support

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali is expected to meet his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, in March for a second summit on the border issue. Several top American administration and military officials have visited Guyana in recent weeks to show support. The US also provided military overflights to monitor Venezuelan troop movements and other activities during the height of tensions in December, leading up to a referendum in Venezuela that authorised the annexation of the Essequibo.