Trial 1: The Cooperative Republic of Guyana filed a complaint against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela concerning Venezuela’s sovereignty claims and alleged attempts to illegally annex the Guayana Esequiba region. Although the sovereignty of this territory has long been disputed, negotiations were reignited following a referendum organized in 2023 by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Guyana subsequently brought the case before the ICJ to settle the dispute.

Verdict: The Court carefully examined the arguments presented by both parties' legal teams, taking into account the relevant treaties as well as the historical, current, social, and economic contexts. The Court ultimately ruled in favor of Guyana on most counts, including the recognition of its sovereignty over the Essequibo region.

 

Trial 2: The Arab Republic of Egypt filed a complaint against the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia regarding the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Nile River. The Nile has long been a vital resource for the countries it flows through, including Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. In order to meet its growing energy needs, Ethiopia began constructing a hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile, one of its main tributaries—raising concerns in Egypt about its water supply. Egypt brought the case before the ICJ.

Verdict: Over two days, legal teams and representatives discussed the dam’s potential impact on population, ecology, agriculture, and water resources. The Court ruled in favor of maintaining a water flow that ensures Egypt’s survival while allowing Ethiopia to pursue its economic development.

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Credits:

Judges: Yaelle Bervas, Vikasni Tummalapalli, Johanne Hendrick, Luke Fontaine – Court participants: Representatives and lawyers for Guyana and Ethiopia, representatives and lawyers for Egypt and Venezuela, witnesses.