ICJ Rules in Favor of Equatorial Guinea in Decades-Long Island Dispute with Gabon
Edited by : Widad WAHBI
In a landmark decision delivered on Monday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Equatorial Guinea in its longstanding territorial dispute with Gabon over three small islands located in potentially oil-rich waters off the coast of West Africa.
The ruling concerns the islands of Mbanié — approximately 30 hectares in size — as well as the smaller islets of Cocotiers and Conga. The two neighboring nations have contested sovereignty over these territories since the early 1970s, citing their strategic location and potential hydrocarbon resources.
The Court’s decision, which is binding and cannot be appealed, brings to a close a decades-long diplomatic standoff. The ICJ determined that the legal and historical evidence presented by Equatorial Guinea outweighed the claims made by Gabon.
The islands in question lie off the Corisco Bay, an area where maritime boundaries have long been unclear. The decision is expected to set the stage for more precise demarcation of maritime zones between the two countries and could open the way for future exploration or joint development initiatives.
Equatorial Guinea has welcomed the ruling as a “victory for diplomacy and international law,” while Gabonese officials have yet to issue an official statement.
-
Sudanese Refugee Crisis Pushes Eastern Chad to the Breaking Point, Says UN
Edited by: Widad WAHBI The massive influx of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan has pushed eastern Chad to the brink... Society -
Cameroon: Four Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Attack Near Nigerian Border
Edited by: Widad WAHBI Four Cameroonian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack near the country's northern border with Nigeria, local... Fight against extremism and terrorism -
U.S. Pushes Rwanda to Withdraw Troops from Eastern Congo Before Peace Deal
Edited by : Widad WAHBI In a high-stakes diplomatic effort, the United States is pressing Rwanda to pull its military forces... International Diplomacy -
At Least 15 Killed in Jihadist Attack on Chadian Army Base in Lake Chad Region
Edited by: Widad WAHBI At least fifteen people, including nine Chadian soldiers, were killed in a jihadist attack targeting an advanced... Fight against extremism and terrorism -
Chad Responds to US Visa Ban With Reciprocal Restrictions
Editorial : Reda El GhazalChad Responds to the recent US entry ban on its citizens. Indeed, the country announced yesterday... Security trends -
Political Tensions Erupt in Bangui as Opposition Rally Blocked by Ruling Party Supporters
Edited by: Widad WAHBI On Saturday, the capital city of Bangui witnessed heightened political tension as supporters of the ruling party... Politics