On 29 November 2024, Suriname’s Foreign Minister summoned the Ambassador of Guyana over a disagreement in a highly contested region known as the Tigri Area. According to Reuters, this summons focused on Guyana’s plans to build an airstrip in the Tigri Area and a school in a region of land that Suriname reportedly has claims to. These actions have the potential to escalate tensions between the two countries.

The Tigri Area, also known as the New River Triangle, has been a point of contention for decades. Situated between Guyana and Suriname in northern South America, the region is rich in natural resources like gold and fertile farmland, increasing its economic importance – tensions over control of the land date back to the early 19th century. Initially, the area was given to Guyana, but as World War II began, Suriname claimed the nearby Corentyne River area, which created further implications. Later, in the 1960s, tensions heightened again between both countries due to increased political instability, which led to various confrontations at the border. These confrontations further prompted military intervention, ultimately leading to the 1970 joint peace agreement over the land. It is clear that in recent years, a joint effort has been made to mediate the issue and ensure that a platform for peaceful diplomacy exists. However, despite recent peaceful efforts, the Tigri Area remains a tense topic of conversation between Guyana and Suriname due to its valuable resources, which are vital for both countries’ economic success.

Suriname’s current Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, contends that Guyana’s construction plans violate a 1970 agreement over the Tigri Area. Starnieuws reported that the Guyanese Ambassador was summoned following Guyana’s current president, Irfaan Ali’s public statement about constructing the airstrip at “Camp Jaguar” in the Upper Corentyne area. These current developments have strained the relationship between Suriname and Guyana. Last month, Hugh Todd, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Ramdin to discuss the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform, which aims to promote peace between the two countries. According to INews Guyana, their meeting addressed issues related to foreign policy, infrastructure, and security, highlighting a mutual desire for peaceful relations. Despite current tensions between Guyana and Suriname, the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform can encourage peace and reconciliation, preventing further conflict.

While the situation between Guayana and Suriname is a clear example of a long-standing territorial dispute, there is potential for reconciliation and diplomacy. This has been highlighted by projects like the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform, which encourages economic cooperation between the countries. To achieve a resolution, it is crucial to acknowledge that building infrastructure in contested areas like the Tigri Area can undermine cooperation and violate the 1970 agreement, leading to further conflict. While both countries have strong ties to the region, unilateral decisions to build an airport or school could provoke retaliation and violate existing treaties. Instead, a more diplomatic approach is needed, one that prioritizes mutual respect, diplomacy, and acknowledgment of current treaties and laws. Cooperation can only occur if international diplomacy is prioritized. Effective international diplomacy has the potential to prevent further tension and foster lasting peace between Guyana and Suriname.

The territorial dispute between Guyana and Suriname remains a significant concern in the region. The Tigri Area has created various implications for national security and diplomacy between the two nations. Suriname’s recent summons of the Guyana Ambassador highlights the current tense relationship between the neighboring nation-states. As both countries vie for control, further conflict is likely unless collaboration and peaceful resolution are prioritized. Unilateral actions in disputed areas are problematic and hinder a peaceful coexistence between the nations.