ICJ Concludes Hearings on Guatemala’s Bid to Intervene in Sapodilla Cayes Case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has wrapped up public hearings on Guatemala’s application to intervene in the sovereignty dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes (Cayos Zapotillos), a case currently before the Court between Belize and Honduras. The hearings were held from November 24 to 26 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Guatemala, represented by Ambassador Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, argued that its interests could be affected by the Court’s eventual ruling and requested permission to intervene under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute. Belize, led by Special Envoy Assad Shoman, stated it had no objection to Guatemala’s participation. Honduras, however, strongly opposed the move, calling the application “redundant and an abuse of the institution of intervention,” and urged the Court to reject it.

The Sapodilla Cayes, located in southern Belizean waters, have long been a sensitive point in regional geopolitics. The ICJ case seeks to resolve competing sovereignty claims between Belize and Honduras, while Guatemala’s involvement adds another layer to the decades-old territorial complexities in the region.

The Court will now deliberate on Guatemala’s request, with a decision to be announced at a future public sitting.