GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping on Tuesday called on Guatemala to ensure that its military forces “desist from illegally entering Belizean territory” following an incident at the Sarstoon River last Wednesday.

Belmopan has already indicated that it would be lodging a formal protest “at the highest level” after a contingent from the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) planted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean soil.

In a statement, the 15-member regional grouping, of which Belize is a member, said that it has been informed by the Belize government “that on several occasions during the period 10-13 September 2025”, GAF members entered Belizean territory in the Sarstoon River, which borders the two countries.

“The GAF members illegally hoisted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean territory, attempted to ram a Belizean military vessel, and harassed and obstructed Belizeans from freely and peacefully navigating the Sarstoon River. These incursions and actions flagrantly violated Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“On each occasion, Belizean military officers firmly asserted Belize’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and legal position, but acted with restraint and professionalism to prevent these aggressive and provocative actions by GAF officers from escalating,” Caricom said in its statement.

It said it was therefore calling on “Guatemala to ensure that its military forces 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 recalls the duty of Belize and Guatemala to refrain from any action which may exacerbate the dispute while Guatemala’s claim is before the International Court of Justice, and reiterates its call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design an effective mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces, with the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS).”

The regional grouping said that it further recalls the commitment of Belize, Guatemala and all states of the region to maintain the Caribbean region as a Zone of Peace, adding “Caricom reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize”.

The Belize-Guatemala border dispute dates back to Guatemala’s claim of significant portions of Belizean territory, based on historical Spanish colonial rights, while Belize maintains its sovereignty.

The dispute originated from a 1859 treaty between Britain and Guatemala, which Guatemala claims was violated by Britain. After decades of failed negotiations and tensions, both countries agreed in 2008 to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final decision, a process confirmed by referendums in both countries.