In May 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Equatorial Guinea in a longstanding territorial dispute with Gabon over three uninhabited islands—Conga, Mbanié, and Cocoteros—located in potentially oil-rich waters in the Gulf of Guinea.

Background of the Dispute

The conflict dates back to the early 1970s, when both Central African nations laid claim to the islands. The ICJ determined that Equatorial Guinea’s claim, based on a 1900 treaty dividing French and Spanish colonial assets, should be honored. The court dismissed Gabon’s argument that a more recent treaty, the 1974 Bata Convention, had transferred sovereignty of the islands to Gabon.

Implications of the Ruling

As a result of the ruling, Gabon is required to withdraw its military presence from Mbanié, the largest of the three islands, which it has occupied since 1972. The decision is final and binding, and both countries have agreed to abide by the court’s judgment.

Next Steps

Following the ruling, a spokesperson for the Gabonese presidency emphasized the need for continued dialogue between the two nations, stating, “Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have to live side-by-side, we can’t move away from each other. Therefore we will have to talk it over to solve all these problems.”

Oil Exploration Prospects

Both countries are significant oil producers but have experienced declining production in recent years due to underinvestment and aging infrastructure. The resolution of this dispute could open new opportunities for oil exploration in the contested maritime zone.

For more information, visit the BBC News article.