ICJ Starts Hearings on Gabon-Equatorial Guinea Border Dispute
The Facts
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearing the first round of arguments on the merits in the case concerning Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty over Islands (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea) on Monday.
Taking the floor on the first day, the delegation from Equatorial Guinea claimed that Gabon's position regarding three islands in potentially oil-rich waters in Corisco Bay is untenable and inconsistent with a previous agreement.
The Spin
Narrative A
Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have sought a peaceful solution to their border disputes for decades, and that long wait is close to an end now that the World Court has kicked off hearing oral arguments. More than anything, these developments have taught other African nations the importance of using political solutions to tackle problems.
Narrative B
While it's great that Equatorial Guinea and Gabon remain committed to a peaceful solution to their territorial claims, one cannot understate the fact that this case stems from disputes between their long-running autocratic regimes. These two countries are no example to follow, and the international community should be careful not to promote that notion.
