Belize-Guatemala Border Dispute: Understanding The Conflict

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring countries in Central America. They share a 266km-long border, which has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute. Guatemala has, at various points in history, claimed sovereignty over Belize, or parts of it. This dispute has led to military tensions and the deployment of troops on both sides of the border. However, in recent years, the situation has calmed, with Guatemala officially recognising Belize's independence in 1991 and both countries agreeing to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice for a resolution.

The Belize–Guatemala border is an almost straight line 266 km (165 mi) long

The treaty states:

> Beginning at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras, and proceeding up the mid-channel thereof to Gracias á Dios Falls; then turning to the right and continuing by a line drawn direct from Gracias á Dios Falls to Garbutt's Falls on the River Belize, and from Garbutt's Falls due north until it strikes the Mexican frontier.

The border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the treaty is void because Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions found in Article VII. Guatemala has disputed its land boundary with Belize since its independence in the 19th century. The dispute stems from colonial documents, first between the United Kingdom and Spain, and later between the United Kingdom, on behalf of British Honduras (now Belize), and independent Guatemala.

The situation was partially resolved in 1991 when Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence and diplomatic relations were established. However, in 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America. Guatemala and Belize stationed troops at the border, with a one-kilometre "adjacency zone" drawn on either side of the 1859 treaty borders. In 2008, both countries made a pact to have simultaneous referendums for their voters to send the issue to the International Court of Justice. The referendums passed in both countries by May 2019. As of June 2022, both countries are now settling the dispute at the International Court of Justice, with both countries confirmed to have submitted their initial briefs to the organisation.

The territorial claim dispute is one of the oldest in the Americas

The Belize–Guatemala territorial dispute is one of the oldest in the Americas. It is a dispute between the neighbouring Central American states of Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) and Guatemala. The roots of the dispute can be traced back to the colonial era, with Guatemala claiming Belizean territory for over 150 years.

During the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land for specific purposes. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala claimed that it had inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory.

In 1859, Guatemala and Britain negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which recognised British sovereignty over the region and formed the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, Guatemala later renewed its claims on the area, arguing that Britain had failed to comply with certain provisions of the treaty.

Throughout the 20th century, tensions flared up intermittently between Guatemala and British Honduras, with both sides stationing troops along the border. In the lead-up to Belize's independence in 1981, attempts were made to settle the dispute, including the negotiation of the Heads of Agreement treaty. However, this treaty was rejected by the Belizean people.

Guatemala eventually recognised Belize's independence in the early 1990s, but the territorial dispute remained unresolved. In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire. Both countries stationed troops along the border once again, and in 2008, they agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the International Court of Justice. The referendums passed in both countries by May 2019, and as of June 2022, the dispute is now being settled at the International Court of Justice.

Guatemala recognised Belize's independence in 1991

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring states in Central America. They share a border that is approximately 266km long. This border has been a source of tension and dispute between the two countries for centuries.

The roots of the dispute can be traced back to the 17th century when British settlers arrived on the coasts of Central America. The Spanish Crown considered these settlers to be pirates and refused to recognise their presence. In 1763, Spain gave these settlers, known as "Baymen", the right to cut logwood within a small area that remained under Spanish sovereignty. Over time, the boundaries of this settlement were expanded and pushed further south, beyond the limits that had been agreed with Spain.

In 1859, Britain and Guatemala signed the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which recognised British sovereignty over the region and established the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, tensions continued to flare up intermittently throughout the 20th century, with Guatemala periodically renewing its claims on the area. Despite these disputes, Belize gained independence in 1981, with the support of the United Nations. Guatemala, however, did not initially recognise Belize's independence and continued to claim the territory as its own.

It was only in the early 1990s that Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence and diplomatic relations were established. In 1991, Guatemalan President Jorge Serrano Elas acknowledged that Belize was recognised internationally and recognised the right of the Belizean people to self-determination. This recognition came after years of negotiations and attempts to resolve the dispute, including the Heads of Agreement treaty in 1981, which was rejected by the Belizean people. Despite Guatemala's recognition of Belize's independence, it is important to note that Guatemala did not drop its territorial claim entirely. In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America, leading to continued tensions and disputes between the two countries.

Belize is Central America's least populous country, with around 500,000 people

Belize is Central America's least populous country, with a population of around 500,000 people. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a rich history, with the Maya civilisation flourishing in the region between 1500 BC and AD 300. European contact began in the early 16th century, and Britain and Spain both laid claim to the land.

The Belize–Guatemala border is an almost straight line 266 km (165 mi) long, separating the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. The border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty of 1859 is void because Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions. This dispute has been ongoing for centuries and has occasionally resulted in military confrontations. Despite Guatemala's claims, Belize has maintained its independence, and in 1981, it became a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state.

Belize is a small country with a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. The official language is English, but Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also widely spoken. The population is predominantly rural, and the capital city is Belmopan. The country has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, and the structure of the government is based on the British parliamentary system.

Belize's economy is primarily based on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction becoming increasingly important. The country has a wide range of natural resources, including arable land, timber, fish, and hydropower. However, it faces challenges such as a heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, and high unemployment. Despite these issues, Belize is known for its natural beauty, including its extensive coral reefs and diverse ecosystems, making it a popular tourist destination.

Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, with over 18 million people

The territory of modern-day Guatemala was once home to the core of the Maya civilisation, which extended across Mesoamerica. In the 16th century, most of this area was conquered by the Spanish and became part of the viceroyalty of New Spain. Guatemala gained independence from Spain and Mexico in 1821, and from 1823 to 1841, it was part of the Federal Republic of Central America.

Guatemala has a modest military strength, with between 15,000 and 20,000 personnel. It has a constitutional democratic republic form of government, with the President serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, and legislative power is vested in the government and the Congress of the Republic. The judiciary operates independently of the executive and legislative branches.

Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America, according to the World Bank. Its economic growth has been steady in the 21st century, with the service, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors being the top contributors. Guatemala's economy is heavily reliant on remittances from its citizens living abroad, which constitute the largest single source of foreign income. Despite its economic size and growth, Guatemala continues to struggle with widespread poverty and inequality, with the indigenous population being disproportionately affected. The country also suffers from high malnutrition and infant mortality rates, as well as a high crime rate.

Guatemala is an ethnically diverse nation, with Mayan and mestizo people—a mix of indigenous and European descent—making up a significant portion of the population. Other groups include people of mixed African and Caribbean descent, whites, and other indigenous groups. While Spanish is the official language, various Mayan dialects are commonly spoken throughout the country. Mayan culture influences Guatemalan clothing, music, and festivals, and Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, although there is also a relatively high proportion of Protestants.

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