Guyana-Venezuela tensions rise as Caracas plans elections in disputed Essequibo region

The resource-rich Essequibo region remains disputed between Guyana and Venezuela, with tensions escalating since oil discoveries. Venezuela plans to hold elections in the area next month—a move Guyana calls a sovereignty violation and has challenged at the International Court of Justice. The conflict traces back to 1899, but recent militarisation and rhetoric (including Venezuela’s Russia-aligned leader comparing Guyana’s president to Zelensky) have heightened fears. Local residents, like Amerindian communities, draw parallels to global land grabs and worry about conflict. While Guyana’s US-backed oil boom thrives, Venezuela insists Essequibo is theirs. A court ruling is pending, but locals remain resolved

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Essequibo in Guyana.

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