Borderline Brief (2/150): Banc du Geyser
The Banc du Geyser Dispute: A Forgotten Conflict in the Indian Ocean.
Introduction
In this edition of our series on territorial disputes, we turn our attention to the Banc du Geyser, a submerged reef located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the French overseas territory of Mayotte. Despite its small size and remote location, the Banc du Geyser has been the subject of a long-standing dispute between France and Madagascar, highlighting the complexities of maritime boundary disputes. This post will explore the history, key players, and current status of the Banc du Geyser dispute.
Background
The Banc du Geyser is a submerged reef that is exposed at low tide, located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Mayotte and 130 kilometers southwest of the northern tip of Madagascar. The reef is situated in a strategically important area of the Indian Ocean, near major shipping lanes and fishing grounds. The Banc du Geyser has no permanent human habitation and is uninhabited by wildlife due to its isolation and harsh conditions.
The dispute over the Banc du Geyser dates back to the colonial era when France claimed the reef as part of its overseas territories. Madagascar, then a French colony, also claimed sovereignty over the reef based on its proximity to the island. After Madagascar gained independence in 1960, the dispute over the Banc du Geyser continued, with both countries asserting their claims to the reef.
Causes of the Dispute
The main cause of the dispute over the Banc du Geyser is conflicting claims to sovereignty and maritime rights. France argues that the reef is part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Mayotte, which became a French overseas department in 2011. Madagascar, on the other hand, claims that the reef is within its territorial waters based on proximity and historical ties.
Another factor contributing to the dispute is the potential economic value of the Banc du Geyser. The reef is believed to be located in an area rich in fish stocks and potentially oil and gas reserves, making it a valuable asset for whichever country can claim sovereignty over it.
Current Status and Future Prospects
The Banc du Geyser dispute remains unresolved, with both France and Madagascar maintaining their claims to the reef. France has maintained a small presence on the reef, including a navigation beacon, but has not attempted to establish permanent habitation. Madagascar has called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute through dialogue and negotiation.
Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Banc du Geyser dispute have been hampered by the complexities of maritime boundary disputes and the lack of a clear legal framework for resolving such disputes. The dispute is further complicated by the broader geopolitical context in the Indian Ocean region, including competition for strategic resources and influence.
Complexities
The Banc du Geyser dispute is a reminder of the challenges inherent in resolving territorial disputes, particularly in remote and uninhabited areas. As we continue our series on territorial disputes around the world, we will explore other examples of conflicts over land, resources, and sovereignty, shedding light on the complexities of these issues and the potential paths towards resolution. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to exploring more territories in future posts.