Respect The Verdict

On May 19, 2025 Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), made public the verdict on the border dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Though the judges at the top U.N. court sided with Equatorial Guinea over which treaty settled the ownership of three largely uninhabited oil-rich islands, it is now time for the two countries that voluntarily accepted to take the dispute to the International Court of Justice in 2021, to respect the court’s decision. Based on 1900 treaty between Spain and France, which divided up colonial holdings, the 15-judge panel have been able to settle the matter amicably. 
After the May 19, 2025 verdict, all eyes are now on the stakeholders to exhibit bravery and sense of responsibility by putting into practice the different decisions taken by the court. The time for debate is over… now is time for business. In the days ahead, while making sure everything is done following the highest court’s decision, the spirit of living together that has been prevailing in the different islands must continue. It is true that the verdict does not please each and every one, but the bottom line is that, it is a colonial boundary which does not forbid the population in the area and beyond to continue living in harmony.
Even though the economies of both countries are highly depend on oil, it is time for duo to start seeking ...