Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Running Africa) — Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have formally ended one of Central Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes, signing a landmark agreement to accept an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that settles ownership of the disputed islands of Mbanie, Cocotiers and Conga.
The agreement was signed on 29 July 2026 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking the official conclusion of a border dispute that had strained relations between the two neighboring countries for more than five decades.
The breakthrough is expected to strengthen regional stability and open the door to closer political and economic cooperation between the two Central African nations.
Colonial-Era Border Dispute Lasted More Than Five Decades
The dispute traces its origins to colonial-era boundary arrangements between France and Spain, which were formalized under the 1900 Paris Treaty.
Tensions intensified in the early 1970s, when both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea asserted sovereignty over the three largely uninhabited islands.
Although small in size, Mbanie, Cocotiers and Conga have long been considered strategically important because they lie in waters believed to contain significant oil and natural gas reserves, making control of the surrounding maritime territory economically valuable.
ICJ Ruling Settled Sovereignty Question
In 2025, the International Court of Justice ruled that the islands belong to Equatorial Guinea, rejecting Gabon’s claim, which relied on the 1974 Bata Convention.
The court determined that the colonial-era treaty provided the strongest legal basis for resolving the sovereignty dispute, bringing long-awaited clarity to the ownership of the islands.
The decision was widely viewed as a significant moment for the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes through international law.
Historic Agreement Signals New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
By signing the agreement in Addis Ababa, both governments formally committed to respecting the ICJ’s judgment and bringing the decades-long dispute to a peaceful conclusion.
Equatorial Guinea described the accord as settling the issue “once and for all,” while Gabon said the agreement marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the two countries.
The diplomatic breakthrough reflects a shared commitment to regional peace, dialogue and adherence to international legal institutions.
Opportunity for Greater Regional Cooperation
The agreement is expected to reduce long-standing tensions in the Gulf of Guinea, a region of growing strategic importance due to its offshore energy resources and maritime trade routes.
With the territorial dispute now resolved, both countries are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas such as maritime security, energy development and regional economic integration.
The settlement also serves as a notable example of how African nations can resolve complex territorial disputes through diplomacy and international law, reinforcing efforts to promote lasting peace and stability across the continent.
