Guyana and Venezuela Agree to Avoid Force in Essequibo Dispute

Despite the agreement, the dispute remains unresolved with differing views on jurisdiction and recent actions escalating tensions.

Guyana and Venezuela have agreed not to use force in their ongoing dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region, a territory that makes up two-thirds of Guyana.
Despite the agreement, the two countries have not made progress in resolving the dispute. A joint commission composed of the foreign ministers of both countries will address the issue and report within three months.
Guyana believes the border controversy should be resolved by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, while Venezuela does not recognize the court or its jurisdiction in the dispute.
Venezuela recently held a referendum in which voters supported the creation of a Venezuelan state within the disputed region, escalating tensions.
Both countries have put their militaries on alert, and Venezuela's president has ordered state-owned companies to explore and exploit the oil, gas and mines in Essequibo.