The ruling settles a decade’s long dispute between the West African neighbours. 

Mbanie, Conga and Cocoteros islands which are located in potentially oil and gas-rich waters, have been controlled by Gabon since its troops forcibly evicted Equatorial Guinean soldiers from Mbanie in 1972. 

The dispute has been ongoing since the 1970. 

Gabon is now expected to remove its soldiers from Mbanié, the largest of the islands.

However their Spokesperson for the country's presidency has indicated that negotiations may also form part of the way forward.

--Channel Africa--