Human rights in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea currently suffers under the longest and one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world. Led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979, the Obiang dynasty has presided over decades of corruption and human rights abuses.  Equatorial Guinea is also one of the countries where the Russian government-linked paramilitary organisation Wagner Group operates, with nearly 200 Wagner troops reported to be active at a Russian base at Pico Basilé.  US intelligence has warned that China plans to establish its first permanent military presence in the Atlantic Ocean in the country.  

Despite its oil wealth, the majority of Equatorial Guinea's population faces extreme poverty. Issues like poor sanitation, insufficient hospital care and unhygienic conditions contribute to a high infant mortality rate, with about 20% of children dying before age five. In stark contrast, a privileged elite, loyal to President Obiang, enjoys a lavish lifestyle funded by the nation's oil income.

For over four decades, the regime has maintained power through systematic human rights violations. Torture, unjust trials, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings are widespread across the country. There are also high levels of impunity against corruption, violence against women and the murder of children for ritual sacrifices.

Some measures have been taken against the nation's high-level corruption. Notably, Teodorin Nguema, the president's eldest son and potential successor, was convicted in France for embezzlement and money laundering. The United States and Switzerland separately reached settlements with Teodorin, leading to the confiscation of assets aimed at benefiting the people of Equatorial Guinea.

However, there has been minimal intervention against the human rights violations perpetrated by the Obiang regime. By denouncing the systematic violation of human rights, Nexos aims to garner support from the international community to bring justice and good governance to Equatorial Guinea.