Venezuela interim president attends ICJ hearing on Esequibo dispute in the Netherlands

Sunday 10 May 2026 - 15:00

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has arrived in the Netherlands to take part in a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the long-standing territorial dispute over the Esequibo region with Guyana.

According to official statements, Rodríguez is leading Venezuela’s legal delegation in a case that dates back decades and centers on a resource-rich area believed to contain significant oil reserves. The ICJ, based in The Hague, is the principal judicial body of the United Nations and is currently examining arguments presented by both countries.

The dispute was formally brought before the court by Guyana in 2018. A final ruling is expected in the coming months, although ICJ decisions are legally binding, their enforcement depends on the United Nations Security Council.

The Esequibo region, a vast territory covered largely by rainforest, remains a sensitive geopolitical issue in South America. Both Venezuela and Guyana continue to claim sovereignty over the area, which has gained increased strategic importance due to recent energy discoveries offshore.

This visit marks Rodríguez’s first trip to Europe since assuming interim leadership earlier this year following political changes in Venezuela. Her participation in the hearings comes despite previous European Union travel restrictions imposed over political tensions.

Venezuela has stated that its participation in the proceedings does not imply recognition of the court’s jurisdiction, while maintaining its historical claims over the disputed territory.