The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called on Guatemala to immediately halt military actions in Belizean territory after a series of reported incursions in the Sarstoon River earlier this month.
According to the Government of Belize, between September 10 and 13, 2025, members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) illegally entered Belizean territory, hoisted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean soil, attempted to ram a Belizean military vessel, and obstructed Belizeans from freely navigating the river. The Sarstoon, which forms part of the border between the two countries, has long been a point of contention.
CARICOM described the incidents as “flagrant violations” of Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned that such actions could heighten tensions and risk escalating into armed conflict. Despite the provocations, Belizean military officers reportedly responded with restraint while firmly asserting the country’s sovereignty and legal position.
The regional body urged Guatemala to ensure its military “desist from illegally entering Belizean territory and from aggressive actions which will raise tensions between the countries, escalate into a military conflict, and endanger the safety of persons who use the Sarstoon River.”
CARICOM also recalled that both Belize and Guatemala have a duty to refrain from provocative actions while Guatemala’s territorial claim is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It reiterated its call for the two countries to urgently finalize a cooperation mechanism for managing the Sarstoon River and adjacent maritime spaces with the assistance of the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Emphasizing the Caribbean’s long-standing commitment to peace, CARICOM reaffirmed its “unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Belize” and noted that all member states remain committed to upholding the region as a Zone of Peace.
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