evidence: The two West African nations have been squabbling over the 30-hectare (74-acre) island of Mbanie and two smaller low-lying islets, Cocotier and Conga, since the early 1970s. [...] Gabon argues that a later treaty signed in 1974 -- the Bata Convention -- gives it sovereignty over the islands. [...] Esono said that Gabon invaded the islands in 1972 and "has occupied them illegally ever since".