Venezuelan Referendum Sparks Tensions in Guyana
Guyana will remain vigilant following a Venezuelan referendum that rejected the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction over their territorial dispute. Tensions have risen over the potentially oil-rich Esequibo region, and the referendum was seen as a way for President Maduro to gauge support ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The U.S. State Department supports a peaceful resolution and warns that the issue cannot be solved by a referendum. Guyana will not let its guard down and has ramped up defense coordination with allies, as Venezuela has reactivated its claim over the disputed territory.