Guatemala Plants Flag on Sarstoon Island

While Belizeans nationwide celebrated the Battle of St. George’s Caye on September 10, a bold move by Guatemala sparked tensions in the south. A contingent of the Guatemalan Armed Forces reportedly landed on Sarstoon Island and planted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean territory, a provocative act in an area long disputed between the two nations. The territorial dispute is currently before the International Court of Justice, with Belize maintaining that Sarstoon Island lies firmly within its sovereign borders.

Wil Maheia, founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, expressed concerns over the timing and implications of the incursion, noting that it sends a worrying message both to Belizeans and the international community.

The Government of Belize confirmed that tensions were diffused following interventions by the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs. High-level discussions between Belizean and Guatemalan officials led to the removal of the Guatemalan flag. Belize strongly objected to the illegal placement of the flag and raised concerns over the conduct of Guatemalan Armed Forces personnel involved.

Both countries committed to preventing actions that could escalate tensions in the Sarstoon area, building on a framework established during a recent inter-ministerial meeting. The agreement includes developing a coordinating mechanism to manage operations in the Sarstoon and avoid similar incidents in the future.

The Government of Belize will lodge a formal protest at the highest level, reaffirming its commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity. Officials stressed that all actions taken by Belizean security forces will remain guided by the rule of law and respect for the country’s sovereignty.