Download logo
The Agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 49th Ordianry Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa by H.E. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Diaspora of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and Mr. Dieudonné Aba’a Owono, President of the Constitutional Court of the Gabonese Republic. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Amb. Edouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council.
The signing follows the high-level meeting facilitated by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, during which H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of Equatorial Guinea, and H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of Gabon, reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful implementation of the ICJ Judgment under the auspices of the African Union.
To support the process, the Chairperson appointed H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro as his Special Envoy to facilitate continued engagement between the two Parties. Through dialogue and sustained consultations, the Parties reached the Joint Engagement Agreement, establishing a framework for implementation in accordance with international law and the principles of good faith and good neighbourliness.
Addressing the ceremony, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commended both countries for their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence and respect for international law.
“The Agreement reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, good neighbourliness and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the spirit of African unity,” said the Chairperson.
Speaking on behalf of Gabon, Mr. Dieudonné Aba’a Owono, President of the Constitutional Court, stated:
“Beyond the legal significance of this Agreement, we view it as an act of mutual trust and a strong political commitment towards the preservation of peace in Central Africa. In a continental context marked by multiple security challenges, this approach demonstrates that dialogue and cooperation remain the most effective instruments for preventing tensions.”
H.E. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea, underscored the historic responsibility shared by both countries:
“We bear the historic responsibility of demonstrating that neighbouring States can implement an international judicial decision with composure, responsibility and good faith, while maintaining full respect for both international and African institutions. Africa is watching us. The world is watching us. Our peoples are watching us.”
Reflecting on the significance of the Agreement, H.E. Amb. Edouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, remarked:
“The Agreement signed today is much more than a legal instrument. It is a testament to the political maturity of two African Nations that have chosen dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over division, and respect for the rule of law over the use of force.”
The African Union congratulates the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the Gabonese Republic on this historic achievement and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthening regional stability, and advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
This website uses cookies.
