Guacamaya, March 6, 2025. During an event commemorating the 12th anniversary of the death of President Hugo Chávez, Nicolás Maduro announced that he will take measures to stop what he called an “illegal action” by Guyana and the U.S. oil company ExxonMobil in the Essequibo region, a territory disputed between the two nations.
During the official event, which was a community assembly held in the 23 de Enero parish, Maduro accused the Guyanese government of allowing oil exploration activities in a maritime zone that is still pending international delimitation.
“This is absolutely illegal, and Venezuela rejects it, denounces it, and will take all necessary actions to stop the illegal actions of ExxonMobil and the subservient government of Guyana,” Maduro stated.
This announcement comes after Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, expressed concern over the presence of Venezuelan naval vessels near oil platforms operated by the U.S. company.
In response to Guyana’s accusations, the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense has defended the presence of the Oceanic Patrol Vessel AB Guaiquerí (PO-11) in what it considers “waters pending delimitation” and has called for the activation of international mechanisms to resolve the dispute peacefully.
However, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has urged both nations to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict and to seek diplomatic solutions.
Although the Venezuelan leader did not specify what actions he will implement, he assured that he will not allow oil exploitation in the disputed territory. This development increases tensions between the two countries, with implications not only for bilateral relations but also for regional stability and the energy market.
