Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union Commission has welcomed the signing of a joint engagement agreement between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to implement the May 19, 2025 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing it as a key step toward peacefully resolving a territorial dispute between the two AU member states.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa by Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Diaspora Simeon Oyono Esono Angue and President of Gabon’s Constitutional Court Dieudonné Aba’a Owono.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council Edouard Bizimana witnessed the signing ceremony.
The agreement follows a high-level meeting facilitated by the AU Commission Chairperson, during which the presidents of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the ICJ judgment through peaceful means under AU auspices.
The AU Commission said Ambassador Albert Shingiro was appointed as Special Envoy to facilitate continued engagement between the two countries, leading to the agreement through dialogue and consultations.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised both countries for choosing dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law, saying the agreement reflects a commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in the spirit of African unity.
Gabon’s representative described the agreement as a demonstration of mutual trust and political commitment to peace in Central Africa, while Equatorial Guinea’s Foreign Affairs Minister said the two countries have a historic responsibility to show that neighbouring states can implement international judicial decisions through responsibility and good faith.
The AU congratulated Equatorial Guinea and Gabon on the agreement and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful settlement of disputes, regional stability, and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.