LIBREVILLE, Gabon — On March 25, 2026, the African Union (AU) announced the appointment of Albert Shingiro as its special envoy to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Shingiro, a former Burundian foreign minister, has been assigned to assist both nations in the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision from May 19, 2025, concerning land and maritime boundaries as well as sovereignty over the Mbanié, Conga, and Cocoteros islands.
The appointment comes after a quadripartite meeting on February 14, 2026, organized by the AU, where the capitals of Libreville and Malabo reaffirmed their commitment to applying the international judicial decision peacefully and collectively. Both parties agreed to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to prevent any escalation of the sensitive dispute.
The AU’s appointment of Shingiro highlights its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of African solutions based on international law. The organization aims to act as an active facilitator in a case crucial for regional stability in Central Africa.
Under his mandate, the special envoy will engage in comprehensive consultations with Gabonese and Equatorial Guinean authorities to reach a consensus on the practical implementation of the ICJ’s ruling. The president of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed confidence in Shingiro’s experience, hoping it will facilitate the harmonious implementation of the decision and strengthen the relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Source: Agpgabon
