World Court rules in favour of Botswana

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has ruled in favour of Botswana, in a territorial dispute over an island along the Chobe River border between the two countries. In a statement the Court said: "In its judgement, the Court finds, by 11 votes to four that the Kasikili/Sedudu Island forms part of the territory of the Republic of Botswana." However, the Court added in its judgement that the waters surrounding the island were not owned by either country and that it "shall enjoy equal national treatment." Namibian officials told IRIN on Monday that Namibia would abide by the Court's decision. The two countries took their case to the Court in 1996 after they were unable to reach an agreement over the ownership of the island. Botswana occupied the island in 1991, shortly after Namibian independence in March 1990. The dispute between the two countries dates back to the early 1800's, when the territory which is now Botswana and Namibia was divided between the two colonial powers, Britain and Germany.