Equatorial Guinea and Gabon End Decades — Old Gulf of Guinea Dispute Johannesburg, South Africa – Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have resolved a half-century-long border dispute over three islands in the Gulf of Guinea, a move that signals a shift toward increased regional cooperation and potential economic benefits.
The agreement, which was signed at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, concludes a territorial dispute that dates back to the early 1970s, involving the islands of Mbanie, Cocotiers, and Conga. These islands, totaling approximately 30 hectares, lie in waters that are potentially rich in oil and gas resources.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Equatorial Guinea in May 2025, based on the 1900 Paris Treaty. Gabon had claimed that the 1974 Bata Convention provided it with legal title to the islands.
The ICJ’s decision has now finalized the matter. Equatorial Guinean Foreign Minister Simeon Oyono Esono Angue and Gabon’s Constitutional Council head, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono, were present at the signing ceremony, along with African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Minister Angue declared the issue settled and emphasized the need for both nations to “move forward. “.
The spat has its origins in colonial times when France and Spain, as colonial powers, divided the regions. Gabon has contended that the 1974 Bata Convention, which followed the Paris Treaty, was the definitive legal document granting sovereignty over the islands.
The resolution of the dispute is expected to foster greater economic opportunities, as the islands’location in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea may lead to increased exploration and production activities. Details of the agreement, including border demarcation and follow-up mechanisms, are yet to be disclosed.
However, it is anticipated that further announcements will be made regarding these aspects in the near future.
The African Union has welcomed the resolution, viewing it as a positive development for the continent. This milestone in the relationship between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon is anticipated to herald a new era of collaboration and development within the Gulf of Guinea region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
