As Central America stands on the cusp of ending one of its longest-running territorial disagreements, Belize is calling for national unity ahead of an upcoming binding judgment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that will finally settle Guatemala’s long-contested territorial claim over Belizean territory.
The decades-long dispute between the two neighboring Central American nations is now approaching a historic, peaceful conclusion, according to Belize’s top diplomat. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca emphasized that national solidarity is critical in the period leading up to the ICJ’s final ruling, particularly as Belize prepares to mark 45 years of independence in 2026.
“In the next two years, we expect this decades-long issue to be permanently resolved and laid to rest through a peaceful, diplomatic process,” Fonseca stated. “Once and for all, we will settle this unfounded claim.”
Just days before Fonseca’s remarks, both Belize and Guatemala took a key step toward cementing their commitment to a peaceful outcome. During the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly held in Panama, the two governments signed a joint declaration that reaffirmed their pledge to respect and implement the ICJ’s final decision. Both nations agreed the court’s ruling will be final and legally binding, and formally requested that the OAS continue supporting ongoing confidence-building initiatives between the two countries until the judgment is publicly delivered.
While the ICJ’s upcoming decision will stand as one of the most defining milestones in the modern history of both Belize and Guatemala, Fonseca stressed that the unity and resilience of Belize’s people remain the nation’s most valuable asset as it approaches this turning point. “Our people are the greatest strength of our country,” he added, urging continued national cohesion through the final stages of the diplomatic process.