The Gulf Verdict: ICJ Settles Equatorial Guinea–Gabon Island Dispute

In a landmark ruling on May 19, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) brought an end to one of Africa’s longest-standing territorial disputes the sovereignty clash between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon over three small but oil-rich islands in the Gulf of Guinea. In a judgment grounded in colonial-era agreements, the court ruled in favor of Equatorial Guinea, effectively asking Gabon to withdraw its military presence and recognize its neighbor’s sovereignty over the contested territories.

The Islands in Question: Mbanie, Cocotiers, and Congas

These tiny islands Mbanie, Cocotiers, and Congas may barely appear on a world map, but they sit in a region of high geopolitical and economic value. The surrounding waters are believed to contain substantial reserves of oil and gas, and their location affects maritime boundaries that can influence fisheries, resource exploration, and national security.

The dispute, simmering since the colonial days of France and Spain, had been a source of tension for decades. Although a provisional agreement was signed in 1972, both countries failed to reach a final settlement, prompting them to submit the matter to the ICJ in 2016 after mediation by the United Nations.

Colonial Borders, Modern Consequences

At the heart of the ICJ’s decision was the Agreement of June 12, 1900, signed between France and Spain, which delineated territorial ownership in the Gulf of Guinea during the colonial era. The court held that this historical document gave clear sovereignty over the islands to Equatorial Guinea, whose territorial integrity, the court emphasized, should be respected.

The court also rejected Gabon’s claims that the islands were administered under its jurisdiction since independence. Instead, it underscored that administrative control does not override legally binding historical treaties.

A New Chapter for Regional Diplomacy

For decades, the dispute contributed to diplomatic friction, occasional naval standoffs, and public unease in both countries. The ICJ’s decision brings much-needed clarity and opens the door to regional cooperation, particularly in joint exploration and economic development of the maritime area.

In a joint press release after the judgment, both Equatorial Guinea and Gabon expressed respect for the rule of law and commitment to peaceful coexistence, a significant shift from the era of suspicion and silent rivalry.

Implications for Africa

This ruling is not just a legal victory for Equatorial Guinea; it’s a testament to Africa’s maturing legal frameworks and a positive precedent for peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Across the continent, where dozens of border disputes persist some still deadly—this case highlights the power of the international legal system when embraced by states seeking long-term peace over short-term political gains.

It also sets a standard for how colonial-era documents, often viewed with skepticism, can still serve as reliable legal instruments—so long as both parties engage constructively in adjudication.

Lessons for Africa’s Legal Community

For lawyers, policymakers, and students of international law, the Equatorial Guinea–Gabon case offers rich lessons:

• The role of historical treaties in modern international law.

• The function of third-party arbitration and mediation in resolving complex state-to-state issues.

• The importance of non-violent dispute resolution in a region where ethnic, political, and economic tensions can easily escalate.

This case also reminds African governments and legal institutions of the need to document, preserve, and digitize colonial-era treaties, which are increasingly becoming reference points in both domestic and international legal settings.

Conclusion

In a world where territorial disputes still fuel conflict, the resolution of the Equatorial Guinea–Gabon dispute marks a rare and hopeful moment. Africa’s legal systems—and its leaders—can choose courts over combat, evidence over ego, and dialogue over discord.

The Gulf of Guinea may be rich in oil, but this verdict proves that its greatest wealth may lie in peace.