Tag: Equatorial Guinea

  • Dictatorial regime of Equatorial Guinea keeps oppressing people

    Dictatorial regime of Equatorial Guinea keeps oppressing people

    On the eve of the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Brussels, Carmelo Nvono-Nká, visited the capital of international justice, the Dutch city of The Hague, to hold official meetings with some foreign ambassadors and denounce the atrocities of the opposition political party “Citizens for Innovation” (CI) of Equatorial Guinea.

    During the official meetings, Nvono-Nká talked about the situation in Equatorial Guinea with just a few weeks to go before the elections.

    He insisted that the government has experienced an awful blow from the Citizens for Innovatio, who must be held responsible for the unjust death of an agent of the country’s security forces.

    At the same time, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mangue, during a recent meeting with ambassadors and security officials, announced the decision to repatriate immigrants forcefully, as the Vice President wants to minimize the possibility of unrest in the country.

    This indicates the real intention of the authorities to “cleanse” the streets of opponents of the current regime, who could hinder the Obiang clan from regaining power, as has been done during the last 40 years. Above all, the authorities know that in the event of serious disturbances, they simply will not have the resources to deal with security threats, especially with the involvement of additional forces in the form of foreign nationals.

    Despite the fact that the government promised to carry repatriations out peacefully, it is reported that since October 20 Equatoguinean security forces have been conducting mass arrests, detentions and deportations of Cameroonian citizens using force and, on occasions, with no legal ground.

    The images that circulate social networks show Cameroonians mistreated by the Equatoguinean police in police stations and detention centers. According to the sources, some Cameroonians are being deported to the borders despite presenting their residence cards to the authorities.

    It can be concluded that the duplicity and hypocrisy of the authorities of Equatorial Guinea continues to cross all limits day by day. Representatives of the diplomacy of Equatorial Guinea try to create an image of friendship ties anticipating the preferences of the European Union, showing a façade of justice and democracy in the country, but at the same time, the Obiang clan does not cease to demonstrate his ruthlessness in trying to retain his eternal power in the country, following the traditions of authoritarianism.

  • AFCON: Senegal rides over Equatorial Guinea into semi final

    AFCON: Senegal rides over Equatorial Guinea into semi final

    Senegal on Sunday rode over Equatorial Guinea into the semi final at the AFCON round leather game tournament beating the West African country 3-1.

    The star studded Senegal were considered favourites in this year’s edition and also for this game. Their group stage journey was pretty much mediocre compared to the expectations of fans across Africa especially as their lack of goalscoring turned into an issue for many.

    The game was aggressive from the start as both teams were compact and avoided any costly mistakes. Senegal were more on the front foot compared to their opponents and they were rewarded in the 28th minute when Famara Diedhiou finished brilliantly into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Sadio Mane.

    The game was aggressive from the start as both teams were compact and avoided any costly mistakes. Senegal were more on the front foot compared to their opponents and they were rewarded in the 28th minute when Famara Diedhiou finished brilliantly into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Sadio Mane.

    The teams went into the break with Senegal 1-0 up. Equatorial Guinea did not lie down and they were much ambitious in the second half, piling the pressure on Senegal. A controversial moment in the 51st minute saw Senegal escape a penalty decision, as VAR overturned a spot kick that was initially awarded to Equatorial Guinea by the referee.

    That decision did not hinder their intentions, as Equatorial Guinea equalised through Jannick Buyla just 6 minutes after the penalty incident. Cheikhou Kouyate needed only three minutes after his introduction to repay his manager’s faith in him as he scored a header to make it 2-1. Ismaila Sarr got the final nail on the coffin putting his team 3-1 ahead.

  • AFCON: Equatorial Guinea beat Mali on penalty kicks to reach quarter-finals

    AFCON: Equatorial Guinea beat Mali on penalty kicks to reach quarter-finals

    Equatorial Guinea needed penalty kicks on Wednesday in Limbe to beat Mali 6-5 on penalty kicks after a goalless draw in extra-time.

    The win helped them to reach the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tagged “Cameroon 2021”, where they set a date with Senegal on Sunday.

    Nzalang Nacional reached the quarter-finals for the third time in as many participations.

    Mali on their part failed to imitate what they did in Cameroon 50 years ago when they reached the 1972 final.

    Taken by anxiety and the desire to score in the first minutes, both teams failed to create real goal opportunities
    Mali could have opened the scoring after the 32nd minute though.

    RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Handara came close to scoring but could not keep his balance to finish off a free-kick.
    The Malian Eagles tried a counter-attacking move to force their opponents into making mistakes.

    In the 37th minute, Mali striker Moussa Doumbia claimed a penalty kick, but the assistance of VAR overturned the penalty kick awarded.

    It was clear that the two sides would go in at half-time with a goalless draw.
    In the second half, both teams tried their best to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

    The Malians were more consistent at the back, but they lacked more attacking firepower and wasted several chances.

    Mohamed Camara missed the target after a perfect assist from Yves Bissouma after 58 minutes.

    In the extra-time, both sides were cautious, and after 120 minutes, it was for the penalty kicks to decide.

    Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono was his side’s hero, saving two penalty kicks to send NZalang Nacional to the final eight.

  • Equatorial Guinea shuts embassy in UK after president’s son sanctioned

    Equatorial Guinea shuts embassy in UK after president’s son sanctioned

    Equatorial Guinea will close its diplomatic mission in London, the country’s foreign minister, Simeon Oyono Esono said on Monday.

    The closure follows Britain’s decision last week to freeze the assets of Teodoro Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea president.

    Mangue was accused of misappropriating millions of dollars.

    “The first decision that the Malabo executive has taken is the total closure of our diplomatic headquarters in London,” Foreign Minister Esono said on state television.

    Lamborghini Veneno one of the cars seized from Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, in France

    “Equatorial Guinea will not accept interference in the internal affairs of the country, which violates the principle of international law,” Esono said.

    Britain sanctioned Mangue, who is also the vice president of the tiny Gulf of Guinea nation, for misappropriating millions of dollars which London said were spent on luxury mansions, private jets and a $275,000 glove worn by Michael Jackson. read more

    Equatorial Guinea’s foreign ministry said on Friday that the sanctions against Mangue were imposed illegally and he had never made any investments in Britain or been charged to court there.

    “The unfounded sanctions imposed by the British Government are justified by the manipulations, lies and malevolent initiatives promoted by certain non-governmental organisations against the good image of Equatorial Guinea,” the statement said.

    Britain said last week it was imposing an asset freeze and travel ban on Mangue to ensure he will no longer be able to channel money through UK banks or enter the country.

    Mangue’s father, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has ruled Equatorial Guinea since seizing power in a coup in 1979, 11 years after independence from Spain.

    Exploitation of the country’s oil reserves over the past few decades has greatly increased the size of its economy. More than 76% of the population, however, continue to live in poverty, according to World Bank figures.

  • UK sanctions African president’s son for buying Michael Jackson’s used gloves for $275,000

    UK sanctions African president’s son for buying Michael Jackson’s used gloves for $275,000

    …places him on travel ban
    … queries his lavish lifestyle

    The United Kingdom (UK) has sanctioned Teodoro Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s president for misappropriating millions of dollars spent on luxury mansions, private jets and a $275,000 glove worn by Michael Jackson.

    UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Teodoro Obiang Mangue, who is also vice president of Equatorial Guinea, had participated in “corrupt contracting arrangements and soliciting bribes, to fund a lavish lifestyle inconsistent with his official salary as a government minister.”

    In an unusual move, the UK said Obiang had bought a $100 million mansion in Paris, a $38 million private jet, a luxury yacht, and dozens of luxury vehicles including Ferraris, Bentleys and Aston Martins. and he also bought “a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia including a $275,000 crystal-covered glove that the musician wore during his time.

    The UK said its sanctions against Obiang include freezing of assets and a travel ban.

    Obiang’s father President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled Equatorial Guinea since taking power in a coup in 1979, eleven years after independence from Spain.

    It’s not the first time foreign governments are cracking down on Obiang. In 2017, Obiang was convicted for corruption by a French court and handed a three-year suspended jail term after prosecutors accused him of embezzlement of public funds and money laundering.

    In 2018, Brazilian police seized millions of dollars in cash, including a set of luxury watches from a delegation traveling with the wealthy Central African ruler following a search on their private aircraft in Sao Paulo.

    The country grew rich in the past few decades due to the exploitation of its oil reserves, but more than 76% of the population live in poverty, according to the World Bank

  • Guinean president, Alpha Condé, ‘snubs’ Bissau counterpart

    Guinean president, Alpha Condé, ‘snubs’ Bissau counterpart

    The President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaru Cisoko Emballo, was not invited to Tuesday’s inauguration of President Alpha Conde because of “his lack of courtesy” to the Guinean head of state, the Minister-Secretary General of the Guinean Presidency, Kiridi Bangoura, said on Monday.

    According to the minister, who is also chairman of the inauguration sub-commission, Guinea has a problem of courtesy and diplomatic practice with Guinea-Bissau.

    He told the media that this had “crossed the limits that govern the principles of good neighbourliness and the principles enshrined in the Vienna Convention of 1951”.

    The president of Guinea-Bissau, known to be close to Mamadou Cellou Dalein Diallo, the main challenger of President Conde, has on several occasions condemned the third-term project of President Conde.

    President Emballo also reproached President Conde, who had been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mediate between Guinea-Bissau’s political actors, for trying to eliminate him from the political game to the benefit of his opponents.

    Well-informed sources in the Guinean capital say that the Congolese president, Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is very close to the two presidents, is expected at the inauguration and will try to iron out their differences.

  • France slams €30m fine on E/Guinean President’s son, seizes all assets

    France slams €30m fine on E/Guinean President’s son, seizes all assets

    The playboy son of Equatorial Guinea’s leader was handed a 30-million-euro fine by a Paris court Monday on top of a suspended jail term and the confiscation of his assets for embezzling public funds.

    Teodorin Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema, was found guilty in 2017 of having plundered his country’s state coffers to fund a jet-set lifestyle in Europe.

    At the time, he was handed a three-year jail term as well as the 30-million-euro ($32.9 million) fine — both suspended.

    Obiang, who is also vice president, challenged that penalty only to have the Paris appeals court return a heavier sentence on Monday by removing the suspended provision from the fine.

    It confirmed his conviction on a range of laundering charges — relating to embezzling of public funds, misuse of corporate assets and breach of trust — and upheld the lower court’s order for his ill-gotten assets to be confiscated.

    The president’s son, fond of fast cars and Michael Jackson memorabilia, was not in court for the ruling, just as he had not attended his initial trial.

    Prosecutors estimate he laundered 150 million euros in misappropriate funds in France.

    The 50-year-old owns a six-storey, 107-million-euro mansion in an upscale part of Paris, complete with a hammam, a disco and gold-plated taps.

    When investigators first raided the home, they hired trucks to haul away a fleet of Bugattis, Ferraris, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and other cars as evidence.

    The fate of his residence, which was also seized by French authorities, remains unclear after Monday’s ruling, as Obiang’s lawyers have lodged an appeal with the International Court of Justice to claim the property should be offered the same protections as other diplomatic buildings.

    A hearing is scheduled to take place in The Hague next week.

    Obiang has said his money came from legitimate sources.

    His lawyers accused France during his trial of “meddling in the affairs of a sovereign state”. Relations between the two nations have been strained over the case.

    “It is another step in a legal marathon,” William Bourdon, a lawyer for one of the NGOs to have initiated the case, Transparency International, said of Monday’s ruling.

    “It is a strong and powerful signal to those who believe that a culture of impunity is the indispensable means to organise and maintain a system of predation of public resources in Africa or elsewhere.”

    Obiang could still lodge a final challenge to the Cour de Cassation, France’s highest appeals court for criminal cases.

    He was agriculture and forestry minister before being promoted by his father to vice president, putting him in pole position to take over the leadership one day.

    Africa’s only Spanish-speaking nation, Equatorial Guinea is the continent’s third-biggest oil producer but more than half of its 1.2 million population live below the poverty line.

    It is regularly accused by human rights groups of corruption, repressive laws, extrajudicial killings and torture.

    Obiang Nguema overthrew his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema in a bloody coup in August 1979 and became president a few months later.

    He has since seen off at least half a dozen assassination or coup attempts to become Africa’s longest-serving leader.

    The latest of them, in December 2017, reportedly involved a group of men from Chad, Central African Republic and Sudan.

    The French court case, initiated by anti-corruption NGOs, is one of three involving families of African leaders which campaigners hope signals a new willingness of French authorities to tackle money laundering.

    The families of late Gabonese leader Omar Bongo and the Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso are also under investigation for embezzlement.

    Paris has long been a favoured destination for the ill-gotten gains of wealthy figures linked to political leaders in Africa, particularly in France’s former colonies.

  • Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea: Eagles obtain CHAN quarter-final ticket

    It was an excellent second half from the CHAN Eagles after obtaining the quarter final ticket of the 2018 African Nations Championship on Tuesday night.

    The Eagles came back from a goal down to defeat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in Group C clash at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco.

    Goals from Anthony Okpotu, Dayo Ojo and Rabiu Ali was all the 2014 CHAN Bronze Medalists needed to scale through as Group winners with seven points after a first half scare from Nsi Eyama Salvador.

    Ojo had an early pop at goal from the edge of the area, but his attempt was always rising. It was a fast start by the West Africans who were desperate to avoid elimination.

    In the space of three minutes, the duo of Emeka Ogbugh and Stephen Eze had chances to score but they couldn’t make it count.

    Ogbugh saw his free kick cleared to safety by the Guineans while Eze’s header flew wide off the mark.

    Osas Okoro tried his luck from range, but he failed to hit the target.

    It was a rather subdued start to proceedings in Agadir after 30 minutes in which Nigeria were clearly dominant.

    The Eagles got a shock of their lives in the 40th minute. Salvador powered home a header from a corner-kick to give Nzalang Nacional a surprise lead.

    Young striker Faleye was guilty of a criminal miss minutes before half time. The skillful lad fired wide with the goal at his mercy.

    Five minutes into the second half, there was a simple chance for Okpotu after the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper failed to catch a ball floated into the area, but the striker was unable to capitalize.

    The Eagles sustained a good spell and had their leveller shortly after, this time Okpotu didn’t make any mistake with his effort. He powered an unstoppable header into the roof of the net from close range. It was a great cross from Osas.

    Ojo who dictated the flow of the game at the midfield put the Eagles in the lead for the first time with a world class goal.

    The playmaker hit an unstoppable long range effort beyond the goalkeeper.

    Seven minutes from regulation time, it was 3-1 for Nigeria as substitute Rabiu Ali expertly converted a penalty kick.

    It was a deserved win for the Eagles who marched into the knockout stages alongside Libya who scored a late winner in their clash against Rwanda at the same time.

  • CHAN 2018: Eagles go for Equatorial Guinea jugular

    The CHAN Super Eagles will be aiming to avoid elimination from the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament with victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Adrar in Agadir this evening.
    The Super Eagles head into the clash atop Group C with four points from two matches and know that a second successive win will seal heir place in the knockout stages of the continental showpiece, no matter the result between Rwanda and Libya in Tangier.
    Nigeria followed a goalless draw against the Amavubi with a narrow 1-0 win over 2014 CHAN champions Libya. Sunday Faleye netted the only goal of the game in the 79th minute of the match.
    Head coach Salisu Yusuf was happy with his team’s tactical discipline in victory over Rwanda last time out, but was quick to highlight the importance of their impending clash against Nzalang Nacional who have nothing but pride to play for.
    “Our strategy to close down their [Libya’s] space worked,” Yusuf said. “We watched their games and they’re a good possession team, good with the ball. “Closing down the space gave us the advantage. “We look forward to the next game with humility and discipline.
    We have to work hard – very hard – to beat Equatorial Guinea. It won’t be easy,” he concluded. Equatorial Guinea have endured a tough tournament in Morocco with a 3-0 defeat to Libya followed by a 1-0 loss to Rwanda, as they duly suffered a premature exit from the competition.
    Head coach Rodolfo Bodipo, though, is not ready to throw in the towel just yet and has called on his troops to give their all against a much favoured Nigeria unit. “We have a young team and we are doing well,” said Bodipo. “We have gained a lot of experience. Our goal was to learn from this experience. Even if we are eliminated, we will play hard against Nigeria.”

  • Buhari receives Equatorial Guinea President in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday played host to his colleague from Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at the State House in Abuja.

    The Equatorial Guinea ruler arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 12.30 p.m. and was welcomed by President Buhari and other top government officials.

    Recall that the Equatorial Guinea’s president had paid similar visit to Mr. Buhari at Aso Rock on February, 12, 2016.

    During the visit, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea had discussion on some bilateral agreements between the two countries.

    President Buhari had also earlier visited Equatorial Guinea twice since the inception of his administration in May 29, 2015.

    Mr. Mbasogo has been President of Equatorial Guinea since 1979.