Venezuela rejects World Court jurisdiction in oil-rich dispute with Guyana

Wednesday 06 May 2026 - 12:15

Venezuela has told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it does not recognize its jurisdiction in a long-running territorial dispute with Guyana over the resource-rich Esequibo region, according to statements made during hearings in The Hague.

Venezuela rejects ICJ authority

Speaking before judges at the World Court, Venezuelan representative Samuel Reinaldo Moncada Acosta reaffirmed that his country rejects the court’s authority over the dispute.

The case concerns a vast 160,000-square-kilometre territory located around the Esequibo River, an area largely covered by jungle but also believed to contain significant offshore oil and gas reserves.

A century-old border dispute

Guyana brought the case before the ICJ in 2018, asking the court to confirm the validity of an 1899 arbitration decision that awarded the territory to then-British Guiana.

Guyana argues that this ruling remains legally binding and that Venezuela has no legitimate claim to the region.

Rising tensions over natural resources

The dispute has intensified in recent years following major energy discoveries in offshore areas near the contested zone. Guyana considers Venezuela’s claims a threat to its sovereignty and development.

Despite international proceedings, Venezuela continues to assert ownership of the territory and insists that the matter should be resolved through direct negotiations rather than judicial intervention.

Awaited ruling

The ICJ is expected to issue a final ruling in the coming months. While its decisions are legally binding, enforcement depends on the United Nations Security Council.