E.Guinea, Gabon clash at ICJ over oil

Equatorial Guinea and Gabon are currently engaged in a legal dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the sovereignty of three islands in potentially oil-rich waters. This conflict has its roots in a treaty signed in 1900 between colonial powers France and Spain, which established the borders between the two nations. The disagreement intensified in the early 1970s when Gabon claimed sovereignty over the 30-hectare island of Mbanie and two smaller islets, Cocotier and Conga, based on a treaty known as the Bata Convention signed in 1974. Equatorial Guinea, however, contests the legitimacy of this treaty, arguing that it was presented unexpectedly during a meeting in 2003 and has not been substantiated with an original document. The Vice Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, Domingo Mba Esono, emphasized that Gabon has failed to provide an original version of the treaty, which raises questions about its validity. Legal representatives for Equatorial Guinea have criticized Gabon's reliance on what they describe as 'scraps of paper' and have urged the court to dismiss the photocopied document as insufficient evidence. The ICJ is tasked with determining the validity of the legal texts presented by both nations, rather than directly resolving the issue of sovereignty. Both countries are hopeful that the court's ruling will pave the way for a resolution of their long-standing disputes, fostering better relations moving forward. Gabon is expected to respond to the arguments presented by Equatorial Guinea in the coming days, which may further influence the court's decision.