Venezuela’s Maduro Threatens to Annex Neighboring Oil-Rich Territory

Bolstered by referendum, Maduro signals a move toward the Essequibo territory, as he disputes Guyana’s claim over the land that sits on their shared border.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro speaks during the closing campaign ahead of the referendum on the Essequibo territory, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Dec. 1, 2023. PEDRO RANCES MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images

A tug of war over the resource-rich Essequibo territory is on the horizon as Venezuela and Guyana increase the military presence at their shared border.

Essequibo is currently under Guyanese control, but both countries claim it as their own.