Equatorial Guinea and Gabon Face Off at ICJ Over Oil-Rich Islands

Equatorial Guinea has asked the International Court of Justice to dismiss Gabon's claim to several islands in the Gulf of Guinea. The countries are contesting the control of Mbanié, a tiny island potentially rich in oil. Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have been in conflict over the island since 1972, with the ICJ set to make a final ruling next year.

Equatorial Guinea requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday to dismiss Gabon's ownership claims over several islands in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea waters. Both countries, significant oil producers, seek a resolution to a dispute focused on Mbanié Island, which is less than a kilometre long and situated off the Gabonese coast.

'Gabon's position is factually and legally untenable,' stated Equatorial Guinea's representative, Domingo Mba Esono, at the court. The conflict began in 1972 when Gabon's military expelled Equatorial Guinea's soldiers from Mbanié and established a military presence on the largely uninhabited island.

The dormant dispute was revived in the early 2000s due to the potential for oil, leading to a 2016 agreement allowing the ICJ to adjudicate. Equatorial Guinea bases its claim on a 1900 colonial division agreement, while Gabon refers to a 1974 agreement they believe the ICJ should use. Hearings will last a week, with Gabon's case set to be presented on Wednesday. The court's ruling is expected next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)