Guyana warns Venezuelans against participating in elections over Essequibo region
- Brigadier General Omar Khan declared that any participation in Venezuelan elections would be treated as an act of treason by residents of Guyana.
- Venezuela is organizing elections for officials who would administer the disputed Essequibo region on May 25, 2025.
- The ongoing territorial claim dispute and associated tensions between Guyana and Venezuela date back over a century.
Guyana's government has issued a strong warning to its residents regarding upcoming elections organized by Venezuela, which are scheduled to take place on May 25, 2025. These elections concern the Essequibo region, a contested area that Venezuela claims as its own. Brigadier General Omar Khan, the defense chief of Guyana, stated that any local participation in these elections would be deemed a support of a 'passive coup' against Guyana. This statement underscores the ongoing tension between the two nations over territorial claims that date back to an international tribunal ruling in 1899. The Essequibo region constitutes about two-thirds of Guyana's land area and is rich in valuable natural resources such as gold, diamonds, and timber, along with being situated near significant offshore oil deposits. The presence of nearly 100,000 people of Venezuelan descent in Guyana adds to the complexity of the situation, as any involvement they have in the elections could result in severe legal repercussions, including arrest and deportation. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud emphasized the need for vigilance among Guyanese citizens in light of this threat to national sovereignty. This geopolitical conflict has a long history. The border dispute originally arose over a 1899 arbitration ruling that Venezuela has since rejected, arguing that it was invalid due to Guyana’s then-colonial status. In recent years, tensions have escalated with both nations mobilizing military resources near the disputed borders and the political rhetoric intensifying. In 2018, Guyana sought judicial backing from the International Court of Justice to uphold the 1899 ruling; however, the Venezuelan government has dismissed it, claiming the 1966 Geneva Agreement nullifies the previous decision. As part of this fraught backdrop, Guyana has reported multiple incidents of aggression from Venezuela, including cross-border attacks against Guyanese soldiers patrolling the region, which heightens the potential for conflict. While Guyana's Ambassador Nicole Theriot characterized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's plans for the upcoming elections as mere bluster to rally domestic support, the current situation remains explosive. The continued military and diplomatic provocations raise concerns about long-term stability and the very real implications for citizens living in the contested areas.