What is the Guyana-Venezuela Conflict?

About Guyana-Venezuela Conflict:

• History:
• The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela has been disputed since its colonial inception between British and Spanish powersin South America. 
• In the 1840s, the British government had the border unilaterally surveyed, but the proposed line encroached on Venezuelan territorial claims.
• The boundary has since been arbitrated (1899)and bilaterally agreed upon following demarcation (1905), but remains in conflict.
• While the British line, accepted by Guyana, is the current de facto boundary,Venezuela maintains a historic claim to all territory currently administered by Guyana west of the Essequibo River.
• Venezuela argues that the Arbitral Award of 1899about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. 
• Disputed Area:
• The bone of contention lies in the densely forested Essequibo region of Guyana, which Venezuela claims as its territory. 
• Venezuela’s claim along the Essequibo River extends for 1,034 kilometersbefore reaching Brazilian territory. 
• At stake is approximately 142,795 square kilometersthat is currently administered by Guyana.
• Offshore, the disputed land territory isa maritime space that was recently discovered to be rich in hydrocarbon resources, upping the stakes of the land boundary dispute.
• Current Status:
• Guyana submittedthe dispute to the International Court of Justice in 2018.
• Despite Venezuela’s withdrawal from the case, proceedings are currently ongoing.