Belize Rejects Guatemala’s Claims Over Sarstoon

The recent confrontations on the Sarstoon River have reignited one of the most sensitive disputes between Belize and Guatemala. Both countries are trading sharp statements as regional bodies condemn recent military actions.

The government of Belize issued a statement on Tuesday that “forthrightly rejects the bold attempt of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala to present alternative facts in order to seek to distort the narrative of what transpired at the Sarstoon.”

The government added that videos show Belize Defence Force soldiers acting “professional, calm, and restrained” despite Guatemala’s claims of provocation.

“Belize does not doubt its sovereignty over its side of the Sarstoon River,” it added.

Belize stated that international law supports its sovereignty over the Sarstoon. The government pointed to the 1859 treaty, which it said established the boundary with Guatemala at the mid-channel of the river. “The Sarstoon Island lies squarely within Belize’s sovereign territory,” the Ministry declared.

It also noted that the treaty guarantees equal use of the river, stating, “The channels of the river are equally free and open to the vessels of both countries.”

Regional organisations, including the Commonwealth and CARICOM, have condemned the provocative actions of the Guatemalan military and their illegal incursions into Belizean territory.

Guatemala’s Foreign Ministry said its military acted within its constitutional mandate to defend sovereignty “with prudence and responsibility.” It accused the Belize military of entering its “national territory through the Sarstoon River without the required authorisation, in violation of the territorial integrity of Guatemala.”