Venezuela-Guyana Dispute: Referendum Decides Fate of Oil-Rich Region

Venezuelans have participated in a non-binding referendum to strengthen their claim over the oil-rich Essequibo territory, which is currently controlled by neighboring Guyana. The referendum has raised concerns about Venezuela's intentions, but regardless of the outcome, little will change in the short term. Tensions have been escalating since Guyana announced major offshore oil discoveries, and Venezuela has sharpened its rhetoric and conducted military exercises in the area. The border dispute between the two countries dates back decades, with Venezuela claiming Essequibo based on historical grounds, while Guyana asserts that the border was set in the British colonial era and validated by the International Court of Justice.