By Belize Live News Staff: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has agreed to consider Guatemala’s application to intervene in the ongoing territorial dispute between Belize and Honduras over the Sapodilla Cayes, a chain of islands in the southernmost part of Belize’s territory.
Belize had previously requested that the ICJ declare that Belize holds sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes, a claim challenged by both Honduras and Guatemala. In 2023, Guatemala formally asked to be included in the proceedings. The ICJ has now confirmed that it will hear Guatemala’s intervention request, with oral proceedings scheduled for November 24, 2025.
Senator Eamon Courtenay, who holds responsibility for Belize’s two ICJ cases, confirmed the development and noted that Belize had anticipated the possibility. “Yes, we had considered it and considered it at length,” he said, noting that while Belize has no objection to Guatemala’s participation, it ultimately depends on how Honduras responds in its legal submissions.
Courtenay emphasized that Belize’s strategy is to assist the court and move the case forward. “Whether Guatemala is allowed to intervene or not, we want the matter to move forward as swiftly as possible,” he said.
Addressing concerns that Guatemala’s involvement could delay proceedings, Courtenay explained that Belize has completed its filings and is ready for the hearing. He expressed hope that the ICJ would align the hearings for both the Belize-Honduras and Belize-Guatemala cases due to their interconnected nature.
“If the court hears this in October, we expect a decision shortly after—hopefully by the end of the year—which would guide the next steps,” he added.
Courtenay concluded on a confident note, stating that Belize’s case is strong, and that “the evidence in respect of sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes and the adjacent cayes heavily favors Belize.”
