The African Union (AU) has appointed Albert Shingiro, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi, as Special Envoy to assist the Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in implementing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on land and maritime boundaries, including sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié, Conga, and Cocoteros.
The appointment, announced by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, follows a quadripartite meeting held on 14 February 2026 under the auspices of the AU, where both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated and peaceful implementation of the ICJ decision rendered on 19 May 2025.
“The African Union is committed to promoting peaceful resolution of disputes in Africa and ensuring that international law guides the settlement of disagreements between member states,” said Youssouf.
He expressed confidence in H.E. Shingiro’s ability to facilitate dialogue and achieve a consensual implementation of the Court’s judgment.
As Special Envoy, Shingiro will undertake consultations with both governments to determine the modalities for carrying out the ICJ ruling, ensuring that all measures respect the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
These consultations aim to foster stability, strengthen bilateral relations, and maintain good neighbourly ties between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Shingiro, who has previously held key diplomatic positions, including serving as Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of African-led solutions to continental disputes.
“It is critical that we implement the ICJ judgment in a manner that preserves peace, respects sovereignty, and strengthens cooperation between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea,” Shingiro said.
The ICJ judgment, delivered on 19 May 2025, clarified the land and maritime delimitation between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and affirmed sovereignty over the strategic islands of Mbanié, Conga, and Cocoteros.
The ruling has significant implications for maritime resource management, security, and regional cooperation in Central Africa.
AU officials emphasized that the appointment of a Special Envoy is a demonstration of the Union’s proactive role in supporting member states to uphold international law while maintaining continental peace and security.
The envoy’s work will involve dialogue facilitation, coordination of technical assessments, and supporting both governments in operationalising the Court’s decision.
“By appointing H.E. Shingiro, the African Union reaffirms its commitment to African solutions for African problems, grounded in international law, diplomacy, and mutual respect,” said an AU Commission spokesperson.
Both Gabonese and Equatorial Guinean authorities have welcomed the AU’s initiative. A Gabonese government official noted, “The Special Envoy’s involvement provides assurance that the implementation of the ICJ judgment will be handled transparently, fairly, and peacefully.”
Similarly, an Equatorial Guinean representative emphasized the importance of cooperation and the AU’s neutral role in facilitating consensus.
The AU expects Shingiro’s engagement to provide a framework for smooth implementation of the ICJ ruling, reinforcing regional stability, promoting dialogue, and preventing potential disputes over sensitive territorial and maritime areas.