Archive · 19 May 2025
ICJ to Rule on Gabon-Equatorial Guinea Island Dispute
Imagine two countries, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, are arguing over who owns some small islands that might have oil.
They've been arguing about it for a long time.
The islands are tiny but could be valuable because of the oil and gas in the area.
They can't agree on which country owns them.
They have asked a big court called the International Court of Justice to help them.
The court will look at old documents to see which country has the best claim to the islands.
One country says a treaty from the 1970s proves they own the islands, but the other country doesn't agree.
The court will give its opinion, and hopefully, the two countries will then stop fighting about who owns the islands.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will rule on a decades-long dispute between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The dispute is over three islands, Mbanie, Cocotier, and Conga, in potentially oil-rich waters.
The dispute dates back to a 1900 treaty, with Gabon citing the 1974 Bata Convention.
Equatorial Guinea argues Gabon invaded the islands in 1972 and contests the validity of the Bata Convention.
Both countries seek the ICJ's ruling to resolve the sovereignty and border disputes.
- Who
- Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are in dispute.
- What
- A dispute over three islands in potentially oil-rich waters.
- When
- The ICJ will rule on Monday.
- Where
- The Hague (ICJ)
- Why
- To resolve outstanding disputes over sovereignty and borders.
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Validity of Bata Convention
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea argues the Bata Convention is invalid, and only a photocopy exists.
Gabon
Gabon believes the 1974 Bata Convention fixed the islands' sovereignty in their favor.
Original Document Availability
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea has been asking for the original copy since 2003 without success.
Gabon
Gabon stated neither party can find the original Bata Convention.
- Countries Involved
- Gabon and Equatorial Guinea
- Islands in Dispute
- Mbanie, Cocotier, Conga
- Area of Interest
- Potentially oil and gas-rich waters
- Dispute Start
- Early 1970s
- Key Treaties
- 1900 and 1974
- Court Involved
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)