The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed H.E. Albert Shingiro, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi, as Special Envoy to support the Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in the implementation of the judgment rendered by the International Court of Justice on 19 May 2025, concerning the land and maritime delimitation and sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié, Conga and Cocoteros.

This appointment follows the quadripartite meeting held on 14 February 2026 under the auspices of the African Union, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated and peaceful implementation of the Court’s decision.

Through this designation, the African Union reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to the promotion of African solutions grounded in international law.

In the discharge of his mandate, the Special Envoy will undertake the necessary consultations with both States in order to facilitate consensus on the modalities for implementing the judgment, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

The Chairperson of the Commission expressed his full confidence in the experience and expertise of H.E. Albert Shingiro to contribute to the effective implementation of the judgment and to the strengthening of stability and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

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Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia