evidence: 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. 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.