Equatorial Guinea on Monday urged judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to reject Gabon’s claim over several islands in the Gulf of Guinea, a region believed to be rich in oil reserves. The two African nations, both significant oil producers, have sought the court’s intervention to resolve their dispute over the tiny island of Mbanié, situated less than a kilometer off Gabon’s coast.
Equatorial Guinea’s representative, Domingo Mba Esono, stated that Gabon’s claim was “factually and legally untenable.” The dispute dates back to 1972 when Gabon’s military forces removed Equatorial Guinea’s troops from the island. Gabon has since maintained a military presence on Mbanié, a largely uninhabited island spanning 74 acres.
Although the conflict remained dormant for years, interest in the islands resurfaced in the 2000s due to the potential for oil. After years of mediation by the United Nations, both countries signed an agreement in 2016 allowing the ICJ to make the final ruling.
Equatorial Guinea has based its case on a 1900 colonial agreement dividing territories between France and Spain, while Gabon has cited a 1974 agreement as the basis for its claim. However, Equatorial Guinea challenges the validity of the 1974 document, arguing that it is unsigned and lacks authenticity.
The ICJ hearings will continue through the week, with Gabon set to present its arguments on Wednesday. A binding ruling is expected from the court sometime next year.