copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-06-13): Banc du Geyser is a mostly submerged reef in the northeastern part of the Mozambique Channel, 125 km (78 mi) northeast from Mayotte, 112 km (70 mi) southwest of the Glorioso Islands and 200 km (124 mi) off the northwestern coast of Madagascar. It is an oval-shaped reef 8 km (5 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide that becomes exposed only at low tides, with the exception of some rock formations in the southern part of the reef. The rocks are generally 1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) in height; the largest is South Rock, with a height of 8 m (26 ft), similar to a boat under sail. In the eastern part of the reef there are some sandy cays, 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) in height covered with grass and small bushes. The entrance into the central lagoon is possible from a south-southeastern direction. There is an interesting underwater cave system accessible to divers. Banc du Geyser is home to a wide variety of marine life, including:
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-07-27): The National Nature Reserve of the Glorioso Archipelago includes three fully protected zones covering about 11,000 square kilometers (4,250 square miles) around three islands in the archipelago: Glorioso, Banc du Geyser, and Banc de la Cordelière. All types of fishing and extractive activity, such as mining, are prohibited within these areas.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-07-23): Mauritius (independant from the UK since 1968), Madagascar (independant from France since 1960), and the Comoros (independant from France since 1975) dispute France's sovereignty over these islands. Mauritius claims Tromelin and states that the island, discovered by France in 1722, was not ceded by the Treaty of Paris in 1814. "Madagascar claims sovereignty over the Glorioso Islands (Banc du Geyser included), though the islands were never a part of the Malagasy Protectorate, having been a part of the colony of Mayotte and dependencies, then a part of the French Comoros that had become a separately administered colony from Madagascar in 1946. The Comoros also claims the Glorioso Islands (Banc du Geyser included), as a part of the disputed French region of Mayotte. Furthermore, Madagascar has also claimed Juan de Nova, Europa, and Bassas da India since 1972."
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-03-05): The Comoro Archipelago, located in the centre of the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, has numerous islands. Grande Comore is Comoros’ largest island, covering 1,025 km2. The nation’s capital, Moroni, is located on this island. Other Comoros islands are Mohéli and Anjouan. France also possesses some islands in the Mozambique Channel, including the disputed Mayotte Island, Banc du Geyser, Bassas da India, and Europa Island.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2008-01-01): Location - The "Scattered islands" (literal translation of "les Iles Éparses") stretch down the length of the Mozambique Channel, between the east coast of Africa and Madagascar. Glorieuses island (11.3°S) and Geyser bank, close to Mayotte, are in the north, Juan de Nova is in the center, adjacent to the Madagascar coast, and Bassas da India and Europa (22.4°S) are in the south. Description - They Iles Éparses are an administrative unit rather than a single geological unit, with the northern banks (Glorieuses and Geyser) likely being extensions of the Comoros archipelago, while the middle and southern islands are distinct geological features. Their geological history combines aspects of basaltic magma extruded through remnant fracture zones in the channel floor, as well as volcanic activity and the production of seamounts. In the north, Geyser and Glorieuses are likely extensions of the Comoros archipelago formed by a hotspot, and intermediate in age between Mayotte and volcanic activity in northern Madagascar (e.g. Montagne d’Ambre), about 10 my old. Oceanographically, the islands are bathed by the variable eddies of the Mozambique channel with resulting enhanced productivity driven by the eddies and their interactions with the continental slopes and island slopes, but there is strong differentiation from north to south. In the north, the "Glorioso Front" was christened for its proximity to Glorieuses island, and may mark the transition from the SEC to the waters of the channel.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2007-02-21): Bassas da India is an uninhabited atoll with no vegetation and the reef Banc du Geyser is more of a shipping hazard than anything else. But the islands of Juan de Nova, Tromelin, Europa and the Glorieuses all have airstrips and manned research and/or military bases. The islands are essentially guarded from unauthorized access and the waters around them are monitored for illegal activities. Each of the four islands has a designated postmaster, each with their own hand stamps. There are routine year-round flights to and from the islands, bringing in personnel and supplies, so getting mail there and back isn't a problem. Even the Marion Duffrense makes the occasional rotation through the islands.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2008-03-25): The Comoros also lays claim to the Glorioso Islands, comprising Grande Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Wreck Rock, South Rock, Verte Rocks (three islets), and three unnamed islets, one of France's Iles Eparses or Iles eparses de l'ocean indien (Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean) possessions. The Glorioso Islands were administered by the colonial Comoros before 1975, and are therefore sometimes considered part of the Comoros Archipelago. Banc du Geyser, a former island in the Comoros Archipelago, now submerged, is geographically located in the Iles Eparses, but was annexed by Madagascar in 1976 as an unclaimed territory. The Comoros now claims it as part of its exclusive economic zone. [...] The Comoros claims the Banc du Geyser and the Glorioso Islands as part of its exclusive economic zone.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2018-05-29): On 11 September 2011, the UMMOA expanded its claims by claiming a piece of the African continent. With the seas claiming greater and greater areas of both lowland territories and islands, the UMMOA, as a signatory of both the GPGPT and MOGPT treaties, decided to claim a 25th national component, the Banc du Geyser (France/Madagascar/Comoros). [...] Territorially speaking, these eleven claims are recognised by the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS): Banc du Geyser, Aphrodite Island (a new Red Sea island which formed thorough a volcanic eruption, which took place between December 2011 and January 2012, and which was never claimed by any other state), Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, Tromelin Island, Amsterdam Island, Saint Paul Island, Crozet Islands, and Kerguelen Islands. The OEAS also recognises these islands or archipelagos as UMMOA protectorates: Mayotte and Chagos Archipelago. So two intergovernmental organisations recognise the UMMOA's claims to 22 islands, and the UMMOA is also recognised as the protector of another 2 islands or archipelagos. [...] On 5 May 2012, the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS) recognised an additional 10 allodial title UMMOA claims beyond the Banc du Geyser claim — the latter claim was itself recognised on 14 September 2011. This decision, in turn, brought the total number of recognised African Ummoagian insular claims to 11. The OEAS also recognised the UMMOA's land tenure claim to another 2 islands or archipelagos — Mayotte and the Chagos Archipelago — so the UMMOA can fulfill its mission there as Protector to the African islands.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-10-02): The country also claims the Glorioso Islands. They were administered by the colony before independence. Banc du Geyser, an island now submerged, was annexed by Madagascar as unclaimed territory in 1976. Comoros claims it as part of its economic zone.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2022-09-01): Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): ; claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands); ;
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2018-01-20): Mauritius, the Comoros, and Madagascar dispute France’s sovereignty over the islands. Mauritius claims Tromelin and argues that the island, discovered by France in 1722, was not ceded by the treaty of Paris in 1814. Madagascar claims sovereignty over Glorioso Islands (Banc du Geyser included) despite the islands not having been a part of Malagasy Protectorate, but rather a part of colony of Mayotte and dependencies, then a part of French Comoros that had become a separately administered colony from Madagascar in 1946. The Comoros claims the Glorioso Islands (Banc du Geyser included) too, as a part of the disputed French region of Mayotte. Madagascar claims Juan de Nova, and Europa and Bassas da India since 1972. Seychelles claimed a part of Scattered Islands too before the France–Seychelles Maritime Boundary Agreement.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-02-02): Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Banc du Geyser Banc du Geyser is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Comoros which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2007-05-15): - A group of volcanic islands in the Southern Indian Ocean: Kerguelen Islands, Crozet Islands, Saint Paul Island and Amsterdam Island - Adélie Land, the French claim on Antarctica - Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar and Mauritius: Banc du Geyser, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, Bassas da India, Europa Island and Tromelin Island.
Claim: Banc du Geyser is a territory of Madagascar (Banc du Geyser, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2015-04-01): Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-05-17): The Case of the "Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty over Islands (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea)" refers to an ongoing territorial dispute over the common land and maritime frontiers between the two States and the sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié/Mbane, Cocotiers/Cocoteros, and Conga.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-08-16): UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-03): Equatorial Guinea and Gabon face off at the ICJ over oil-rich islands of Mbanié, Cocotier and Conga [...] Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are currently presenting their case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to resolve a five-decade territorial dispute over three oil-rich islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Following hearings of Malabo, Libreville presented its arguments on October 2, focusing on a 1974 convention signed in Bata which Gabon claims. The central Africa country confirms its sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié, Cocotier, and Conga.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2016-01-21): The longstanding dispute between the two nations regarding the Mbanié, Cocotiers and Congas islands, and common boundaries, dates back to the early 1970’s.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-02-16): Similarly, when American missions from New England arrived to the northern banks in May 1842 and established a school in King Glass, which happened to be the commercial centre on the land for the British, American and German forces, the French established Fort d’Aumale in King Louis in 1843; a year after, the French also imported Catholic missionaries to spread French cultural influence. Throughout the next six decades, the French continued to expand their influence throughout the territory of present-day Gabon, sending explorers such as Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza to establish French authority on the upper Ogooué and the Loango coast. In 1886, Brazza incorporated the French spheres of influence under the French Congo for which he became the governor. By 1910, virtually all of Gabon has become one of the four colonies in the federation of French Equatorial Africa with little political opposition but intense friction due to the disruptions in trade, labour taxes and monopolistic concessionary companies. [...] Key Dates 1470 Portuguese make landfall in the territory of Gabon 1839 Local Mpongwe ruler agrees to concede administrative rights to the French 1910 Gabon assimilated into French Equatorial Africa.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-07-17): General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is appointed President of the Gabonese transition. At the start of this period, several institutions, including the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court, were temporarily suspended, then reorganized around a charter drawn up with the transition president. One of the objectives of this phase is to revise the constitution during a national dialogue, which will be adopted by referendum, with a view to elections under a new constitution at the end of the transition. The transition is scheduled to end in August 2025.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-03-24): For those seeking accommodation near Coco Beach, Cocobeach offers a range of lodging options. Hotel Les Cocotiers is a beachfront hotel that provides comfortable rooms and a peaceful ambiance, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the coastal surroundings. Another option is the Residence Mad'eo, offering self-catering accommodations with a home-away-from-home feel. Both establishments provide convenient access to Coco Beach and the surrounding attractions.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-11-26): On March 05th 2021, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a compromise signed by the two States on November 15th 2016 and entered into force in March 2020. The Court is requested "to determine whether the legal titles, treaties and international conventions invoked by the Parties have the force of law in the relations between the Gabonese Republic and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in so far as they concern the delimitation of their common maritime and land boundaries and sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié/Mbañe, Cocotiers/Cocoteros and Conga".
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-09): In 1910, Gabon became a territory of French Equatorial Africa,[15] a federation that survived until 1958. In World War II, the Allies invaded Gabon in order to overthrow the pro-Vichy France colonial administration. On 28 November 1958, Gabon became an autonomous republic within the French Community, and on 17 August 1960, it became fully independent.[16] [...] - Yates, Douglas A. (1996). The Rentier State in Africa: Oil Rent Dependency and Neo-colonialism in the Republic of Gabon. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press. ISBN 0-86543-520-0. [...] - Yates, Douglas Andrew. The rentier state in Africa: Oil rent dependency and neocolonialism in the Republic of Gabon (Africa World Press, 1996) online Archived 7 September 2023 at the Wayback Machine.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-06-12): Gabon is a country in Central Africa , lying along the Atlantic Ocean , just south of the Bight of Biafra .
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-11-13): Gabon is a country in Central Africa. It is located in the Eastern Hemisphere. As the Equator passes through Gabon, it stretches into both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Gabon is bordered by three countries. The Republic of the Congo borders it to the east and south. Cameroon lies to the north and Equatorial Guinea to the northwest. Gabon has a coastline on the Gulf of Guinea to the west.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-04-23): On 5 March 2021, the Press Office of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced that proceedings had been instituted in the Court by way of a Special Agreement between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The application pleads: "The Court is requested to determine whether the legal titles, treaties and international conventions invoked by the Parties have the force of law in the relations between the Gabonese Republic and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in so far as they concern the delimitation of their common maritime and land boundaries and sovereignty over the islands of Mbanie/Mbane, Ccoctiers/Cocoteros, and Conga." (emphasis added) [...] Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have a long-standing maritime and territorial dispute over the ownership of three islands Mbanie/Mbane, Cocotiers/Cocoteros, and Congas. The dispute has been simmering since 1972 when there was a small military skirmish on the island of Mbanie/Mbane. It remained in obscurity until the hydrocarbon fields were discovered in the surrounding waters. In 2004, the leaders of both States jointly pledged before the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to negotiate a joint development zone in order to exploit the oil reserves. In 2004, the Secretary-Generalinitialized mediation through his special representative, but it had to be suspended in 2010 because of the souring relationship between the new Gabonese government and Equatorial Guinea. In 2011, at the invitation of the new UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the negotiations were restarted, with the aim of finding a mutually acceptable solution of the border dispute between the two parties for submission to the International Court of Justice. In 2016, these mediation efforts were successfully concluded.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-05-03): In the Special Agreement, the Parties request the Court "to determine whether the legal titles, treaties and international conventions invoked by the Parties have the force of law in the relations between the Gabonese Republic and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in so far as they concern the delimitation of their common maritime and land boundaries and sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié/Mbañe, Cocotiers/Cocoteros and Conga".
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-07-08): A dispute over maritime rights between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in Corisco Bay is heading for the courts, with implications for the exploration and development of hydrocarbons resources. The dispute between the two countries dates back to the early 1970s and centres on three uninhabited islands, Mbanié and the two tiny neighbouring islets of Conga and Les Cocotiers, which both sides claim.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-09-30): - 30 September – The International Court of Justice begins hearings on a territorial dispute between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea over ownership of the islands of Mbanie, Cocotier and Conga, which have been occupied by Gabon since 1972.[4]
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-03): Following the arguments presented by Malabo on Monday, September 30th, the focus shifted to Libreville’s legal representatives on Wednesday, October 2nd. At the heart of Gabon’s defense was a 1974 convention between the two nations, which the lawyers from Equatorial Guinea disparagingly referred to as a "piece of paper." Nevertheless, Gabon believes this document serves as compelling evidence of its sovereignty over the islands of Mbanié, Cocotier, and Conga, which Equatorial Guinea contests. [...] Conversely, Equatorial Guinea continues to dispute the existence of this convention, asserting that, despite the islands being geographically closer to Gabon’s coast, they became part of its territory upon independence. Malabo contends that Mbanié, Cocotier, and Conga were annexed without resistance by the Spanish colonizer nearly two centuries ago.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-02): Gabon presented its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday, asserting sovereignty over three disputed islands in oil-rich waters, a claim contested by Equatorial Guinea. The two West African nations are locked in a territorial dispute over the 30-hectare island of Mbanie and two smaller islets, Cocotier and Conga, potentially rich in oil and gas deposits.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-01): Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, two West African nations, are currently presenting their case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve a territorial dispute dating back to the 1970s. The disagreement centers around three islets—Mbanié, Cocotier, and Conga—located in a maritime zone potentially rich in hydrocarbons. This conflict is part of a broader context of energy competition, where both nations aim to solidify their regional influence by securing natural resources. [...] The core issue involves maritime boundary delineation, but the stakes extend well beyond territorial sovereignty. The disputed maritime zone is believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves. Control over these resources could not only transform the economic prospects of both nations but also redefine their strategic position in Central Africa. Gabon, which currently occupies the islets, asserts its sovereignty based on the Bata Convention, while Equatorial Guinea accuses Libreville of illegal occupation since 1972.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-03-03): Cérémonie concernant le Compromis relatif au différend frontalier entre le Gabon et la Guinée équatoriale [...] Under the Special Agreement concluded by the Heads of States of the two countries on 15 November 2016, the International Court of Justice is requested to determine whether the legal titles, treaties, and international agreements invoked by the Parties are applicable to the relations between the Gabonese Republic and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea regarding the delimitation of their common maritime and territorial boundaries and the sovereignty over the Mbanié, Cocotiers and Conga islands.
Claim: Cocotiers is a territory of Gabon (Cocotiers, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-04-14): For lack of consensus, the two neighboring countries, members of the international community and members of continental and regional groupings have decided to bring their border dispute to international justice on the subject of the property of the Mbanié, Cocotiers and Conga islands. Competent to judge territorial disputes between the States, the ICJ was seized so that the law is said on this subject which poisons the relations between the two countries. [...] In its capacity as civil party, Equatorial Guinea asks to "say whether the legal titles, treaties and international conventions invoked by the Parties are lawful in the relations between the Gabonese Republic and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea with regard to the delimitation of their common maritime and land borders and sovereignty over the Mbanié, Cocotiers and Conga islands ".