The Hague, 19 August 2024 – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that it will conduct public hearings on the contentious Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty over Islands dispute between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea from Monday, 30 September, to Friday, 4 October 2024. These hearings, set to take place at the Peace Palace in The Hague, mark a significant moment in the long-standing territorial disagreement between the two African nations.
The case, which has been pending since 2021, centers around the legal status and sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié (Mbañe), Cocotiers (Cocoteros), and Conga. Both nations have invoked legal titles, treaties, and international conventions to assert their claims over these territories. The dispute has seen tensions rise as both sides seek international legal validation of their claims.
The ICJ’s involvement began after Gabon and Equatorial Guinea signed a Special Agreement in 2016, which entered into force in March 2020. The court has since conducted a series of proceedings, including the submission of written pleadings from both parties. The upcoming hearings represent the next phase, where each nation will present its oral arguments.
According to the ICJ’s schedule, Equatorial Guinea will present its first round of arguments on Monday, 30 September, followed by Gabon on Wednesday, 2 October. A second round of arguments will take place on 3 and 4 October, allowing each side to further elaborate on their positions.
The hearings are expected to attract significant attention. As the ICJ noted, “Seats in the Great Hall of Justice will be allocated on the basis of availability,” emphasizing the high level of interest from the diplomatic community and the public.
These hearings will be streamed live on the ICJ’s website and UN Web TV, ensuring global access to this pivotal moment in international law. The ICJ’s ruling on this case could have profound implications for the geopolitical landscape in the region.
For those following the case, the stakes are high. An official from the ICJ’s Information Department commented, “The Court’s decision will likely set a precedent in international boundary disputes, particularly in Africa, where similar issues are common.”
