Interpol Withdraws Arrest Warrant Against Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President

September 5, 2013, 12:31 pm

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The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) recently withdrew an arrest warrant against Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Second Vice President of Equatorial Guinea.

The international search and arrest warrant charged Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue with failing to appear in court in response to a summons that was part of the investigation spurred by a lawsuit filed in France by Transparency International against several African Heads of State. The arrest warrant was ordered last year by two French judges.

Last month, a United States federal judge granted the Vice President’s motion for summary judgment, which dismissed the U.S. government’s claims that the Vice President had violated the laws of Equatorial Guinea. The judge ruled that the U.S. government did not have probably cause to bring those charges. Last year, INTERPOL blocked a request from a French investigating magistrate for an international arrest warrant for the Second Vice President.

In a recent statement, the government of Equatorial Guinea said, “The Republic of Equatorial Guinea has always stated that both the summonses as well as the arrest warrant violated International Law, which confers absolute jurisdictional immunity to Heads of States.”

The statement also said, “The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is satisfied that the Law has been applied… While the Republic of Equatorial Guinea respects the independence of the French courts, it understands that the Law must be respected…”

The official statement from the Government of Equatorial Guinea follows:

The International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, announced it had ended the dissemination, conducted at the request of France, of the arrest warrant issued on July 2012 by two judges in Paris, against His Excellency Teodoro NGUEMA OBIANG MANGUE, the Second Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, on charges of failure to appear to a summons, to be heard as part of the investigation into the lawsuit by Transparency International against several African Heads of State and their entourage.

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes this decision.  

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea has always stated that both the summons and the arrest warrant were contrary to International Law, which confers absolute jurisdictional immunity to the Heads of States, as various jurisprudence cases of the States consider regularly, as does the International Court of Justice of The Hague.

INTERPOL's decision, if it were necessary, confirms that the arrest warrant violates International Law, so that this organization cannot execute it.

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is satisfied that the Law has been applied and trusts that, because of the appeals presented, both in France and in the International Court of Justice, that a flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of the Law and international relations between sovereign States can be ended.

While the Republic of Equatorial Guinea respects the independence of the French courts, however, it understands that the Law must be respected and is surprised that in France there is still this clear violation of international law, and even more so in a case initiated by some NGOs whose motives are clearly political and aimed at destabilizing the institutions of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Malabo, September 4, 2013


The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea

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Equatorial Guinea Invests in Human Resources Training Program

September 10, 2013, 1:57 pm

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Prime Minister of the Government for Administrative Coordination, Vicente Ehate Tomi, during his speech.

The Business Management course was part of the human resources training program for public administration civil servants. It was funded by the Equatorial Guinean government and organized by the World Bank in collaboration with the European University of Madrid.

Approximately 116 students took the course, which lasted three months. 

World Bank representative, Zouera Youssoufou, spoke of the course’s positive results and highlighted the importance of an improved educational system in Equatorial Guinea. 

Equatorial Guinea Hosts Third Forum of Kings, Sultans, Sheikhs, Princes and Traditional Leaders

September 12, 2013, 8:19 am

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Prime Minister Calls for African Solidarity to Build their Political and Economic Independence

Equatorial Guinea hosted the third Forum of Kings, Sultans, Sheikhs, Princes and Traditional Leaders, from September 7 to 11, at the Sipopo Conference Center in the capital city of Malabo. The forum focused on protection of human rights, good governance, peacekeeping, agricultural development and support for African women.

During the closing ceremony, Equatorial Guinea’s Prime Minister for Administrative Coordination, Vicente Ehate Tomi, stressed the need for African governments to support the African Royal Fund. He also called for African solidarity toward building their political and economic independence.

The Malabo Declaration, which was read at the closing ceremony, supported the forum’s theme, “Traditional Cultural Values in Contemporary African Society.” The forum also dealt with the maintenance of institutions and cultural heritage, and the search for unity as a guarantee for a genuine union of the people.

Permanent Secretary-General of the Forum's Council, Jean Gervais Tchiffi Zie, granted the certificate of the South African Scientific Research Institute to President Obiang for his support of scientific and cultural research. President Obiang, who has made strong efforts to promote African unity and cooperation, made a donation to the Kings Fund and offered the city of Malabo to host the headquarters of Traditional Kings.

Equatorial Guinea’s development is based on the Horizon 2020 plan. The West African country is investing its oil resources to establish a diverse and independent economy and political system, and to prepare the country for the day when oil production declines.

Equatorial Guinea to Launch Malaria Vaccine Trial

September 20, 2013, 7:38 am

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West African Nation Leads Fight Against Malaria

 Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Health and Social Security recently presented a design for a malaria vaccine trial as part of the government’s efforts to improve the country’s public health.

The West African Nation is the second country in Africa, after Tanzania, to sponsor a malaria vaccine clinical trial. Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energypartnered with Sanaria, a U.S. biotechnology company that produces a vaccine based on an approach to immunization that has already proven highly protective in humans, and the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI),Tanzania’s health research organization. This first clinical trial will evaluate both the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

During the clinical trial’s presentation, Minister of Health and Social Security, Diosdado Vicente Nsue Milang, expressed the government’s support and appreciation of the parties involved.

“Malaria is a global concern,” he said, “and although the situation has improved in many countries, it is still the most common cause of mortality in pregnant women and children under five years.”

                                                                                                    

Dr. Pither, Sanaria representative, and Salim Abdulla, Ifakara representative, explained how the malaria vaccine works and how it is developed. The trial admission is scheduled for the first quarter of 2014. Sanaria and the IHI expect that the clinical trials in Equatorial Guinea will show that the vaccine is safe and effective, and that it can provide protection to African populations where the disease is endemic.

The ultimate goal is to develop a vaccine that can be part of large campaigns aimed at eliminating the disease. The clinical trials in Equatorial Guinea could help achieve this goal and significantly advance the global fight against malaria.

Equatorial Guinea’s Ethics Review Committee is overseeing the protocol to ensure that the clinical trial follows Equatorial Guinea’s standards. After these reviews and the approval of the protocol, the committee members will participate in the African Forum on the Regulation of Vaccines to present the results to the other sixteen countries represented in this forum, which will review the protocol with Equatorial Guinea on October 15, 2014.

Equatorial Guinea’s Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, and Mines, Industry and Energy are sponsoring this clinical trial, along with Marathon Oil, Noble Energy, EGLNG and AMPCO.

The director of the National Program for the Fight Against Malaria,  Matilde Roca, and representatives of various international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Cuban Office of International Cooperation,  and Marathon Oil, among others.

The government's national malaria program includes free treatment for patients who test positive for malaria infection, with special attention paid to pregnant women, who  face higher risk.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has confirmed his support for shared responsibility and global solidarity in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria at the session on Sustainable Solutions for the AIDS Response in Africa during the 67^thUnited Nations General Assemblyin 2012.

“I can assure you that my country, Equatorial Guinea, is steadfast in its support for the statement made by the Heads of State and Government of the 29^thAfrican Union Ordinary Assembly Session in Addis Ababa in July 2012 in favor of a roadmap for shared responsibility and global solidarity in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” he said.

Roll Back Malaria has reported that Equatorial Guinea has decreased the prevalence of the malaria parasite in children by 57% in the last few years and has increased the number of bed nets and indoor spraying of insecticides from 4% to 95% of the country in that same period. Research carried out on the Island of Bioko by the government and Marathon Oil has shown reduced infant mortality in nearly one-third of the population. 

Another Roll Back Malaria report onBusiness Investing in Malaria Control: Economic Returns and a Healthy Workforce for Africahas shown how malaria control investment has significantly improved in Africa. “Companies in Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zambia have worked to prevent malaria among their workers and workers' dependents and have seen an excellent return on investment, with significant reductions in malaria-related illnesses and deaths, worker absenteeism, and malaria related spending,” the report said.

Equatorial Guinea's First Lady Inaugurates New Child Support Committee Building

September 25, 2013, 6:40 am

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Constancia Mangue Nsue de Obiang, First Lady of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and the First Vice President for Presidential Affairs, Ignacio Milam Tang, inaugurated the new headquarters of the Committee for the Support of the Equatoguinean Child (CANIGE) in Malabo II last week.

CANIGE is an important institution in the country’s efforts to improve child development and education resources for its citizens.

CANIGE was established in 1984 at the beginning of the country’s efforts to fight marginalization and change attitudes toward women in Equatorial Guinea society. The First Lady has been one of CANIGE’s strongest supporters for nearly 30 years.

“I would like to highlight that our fight against marginalization was the inspiration behind the establishment of a non-governmental organization called CANIGE, Committee for the Support of the Equatoguinean Child,” the First Lady said during a recent award ceremony held by the Voice of African Mothers.  

“With the creation of CANIGE, we assumed the commitment to be fully involved in the care, protection, training and integral promotion of the Equatoguinean child… because we believe they should be the center of our individual and collective efforts in order to obtain the United Nations objectives for the development of the millennium.”

The First Lady has long championed efforts to promote social development, improve the status of women, and provide resources for children, at home and throughout the Africa continent.  She said that she hopes the new CANIGE building will become a center for developing programs to improve the quality of life for all Equatoguineans.

Full Slate of Meetings for President Obiang at 68th U.N. General Assembly

September 25, 2013, 11:25 am

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Equatorial Guinea’s President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)on September 26. President Obiang has a full schedule of other events this week, including several meetings with other heads of government and heads of state.

The Equatorial Guinea delegation, led by President Obiang, joins 130 Heads of State and Government, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and their delegations as they come together to discuss important international issues such as development, climate change, fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals, economy and global finance,food security and others.

President Obiang met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, earlier this week to discuss the progress of the activities being carried out by the UN in Equatorial Guinea. During the meeting, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the “UN’s commitment to continue to support the efforts of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon towards the peaceful settlement of their border dispute through referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a timely manner,” said a UN official statement.

Today, President Obiang held bilateral meetings with Cote d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouatarra, South Africa President Jacob Zuma, and Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.

Equatorial Guinea, Malawi to Strengthen Cooperation

September 27, 2013, 9:36 am

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--> The presidents of Equatorial Guinea and Malawi took steps to increase cooperation during a meeting yesterday between Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Malawi’s President, Joyce Hilda Banda.

The two presidents met at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss increasing cooperation in trade and development.

Following the meeting, Mrs. Banda said that other African nations can learn much from successful development efforts in Equatorial Guinea.

“President Obiang is committed to changing the lives of ordinary people,” she said. “You go to Equatorial Guinea and see this--see buildings going up, new projects, development everywhere.”
Mrs. Banda said that Equatorial Guinea “is a country that has done well economically.” She said she believes Malawi can benefit from increased trade and stronger relations with Equatorial Guinea.

Mrs. Banda was elected to office in the midst of a severe economic crisis in Malawi and immediately took steps to devalue the kwacha, Malawi’s currency, and reign in government spending. She has made transparency in government and economic restructuring her top priorities.

Obiang Calls For U.N. Security Council Reform

September 27, 2013, 10:55 am

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U.N. is “impotent observer” while great powers act, says Equatorial Guinea’ President.

 African leader condemns terrorism and highlights advances in his country.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo called yesterday for reform of the United Nations to create a more democratic and representative body.
 

In his remarks before the 68^th U.N. General Assembly, the West African chief of state described as “incoherent” the idea of engaging in “indiscriminate destruction, to later plan reconstruction and reconciliation by outside parties.”

“On the international level,” he said, “we are very concerned about the United Nations’ so-called humanitarian intervention, which, far from guaranteeing the human rights and welfare of the affected peoples, are more oriented toward imposing political systems and democracies by undeclared interests, totally ignoring the intangible principles of national sovereignty and dignity of peoples.”

These actions occur “before the impotent gaze of the United Nations, whose role as arbiter and conciliator is being openly violated by special interests.”

He described “a kind of cold war between those who proclaim themselves to be moral authorities and the majority who claim their right to freedom of action to guide the destinies of their peoples.”

“Democracy is the maximum just expression of natural law,” he said, and an “act of sovereign popular will. We do not see how democracy can be imposed on any country.”

“Consequently,” he said, “there can be no other alternative than to reform these organs, especially the Security Council, in order to make them more democratic and so that they will protect with impartiality the interests of all nations.”

President Obiang condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kenya, calling it “a vile attack on the freedom and dignity of the Kenyan people.” He called on the U.N. to “take severe measures against crimes of this nature.”

He said that terrorism and war added to other woes affecting the developing world, including hunger and natural disasters, “causing human loss and forced displacement of large populations.”

Peace and security, therefore, are essential for development, he said, and have been major factors in building economic progress in his country.

“The political, economic, and sociocultural situation in Equatorial Guinea is positive and encouraging,” he said, “because the country enjoys fruitful peace and stability, carries out a harmonious political development, and is maturing as a genuine national democracy; all of this has allowed us to undertake important infrastructure projects that allow the people to participate directly in the general growth of the country.”

“Currently the country is putting in place important political reforms in consensus with all the political institutions,” he said.

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Equatorial Guinea Supports Malaria Vaccine Trial

October 2, 2013, 8:56 am

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President Obiang Visits Sanaria Facilities in Support of the Country’s Fight Against Malaria

Equatorial Guinea’s President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo met with representatives of Sanaria Corporation in New York, last week to discuss progress on the upcoming malaria vaccine trial to take place in Equatorial Guinea. The president was in New York, to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and meet with several heads of government and heads of state.

Equatorial Guinea is the second country in Africa to sponsor a malaria vaccine clinical trial. President Obiang reaffirmed the government's commitment to fight the disease, which is endemic in West and Central Africa. The West African nation has partnered with Sanaria, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Marathon Equatorial Guinea Production Limited (MEGPL), Noble Energy, and Medical Care Development International (MCDI) for this vaccine trial.

Dr. Stephen Hoffman, President and founder of Sanaria, shared Sanaria’s mission with President Obiang and explained in detail the development of the vaccine trial.

President Obiang and the Equatorial Guinea delegation visited Sanaria’s laboratory, where they saw a demonstration of the production of the malaria vaccine (PfSPz) and witnessed the dissection to remove the sporozoites that cause malaria and are used to make the vaccine. They also observed the storage and cold chain transportation of the vaccine.

Marvin Rainsdon, MEGPL's general manager, expressed the research team’s appreciation for the support and commitment that the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Social Security, Marathon, Noble Energy, AMPCO and EGLN have contributed to the research of the vaccine.

Chris Schwabe, representing MCDI, an organization that manages the Malaria Control Program on the island of Bioko, shared the achievements the country has experienced in the last ten years, and explained that the vaccine trial’s ultimate goal is to eliminate malaria in the next five years. This milestone research is part of the government’s efforts to improve the country’s public health.

President Obiang Calls for U.N. Security Council Reform

October 4, 2013, 9:35 am

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President Obiang Nguema Mbasogocalled yesterday for reform of the United Nations to create a more democratic and representative body. In his remarks before the 68^th U.N. General Assembly, the West African chief of state described as “incoherent” the idea of engaging in “indiscriminate destruction, to later plan reconstruction and reconciliation by outside parties.”

 

Equatorial Guinea Takes Significant Strides in Developing Country's Infrastructure

October 14, 2013, 12:02 pm

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In anticipation of National Independence Day October 12, President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea oversaw the inauguration of three major works on Thursday, October 10, including the new headquarters for the Ministry of Finance and Information. 

First Lady Constancia Mangue de Obiang accompanied President Obiang at the inauguration, along with several other government officials including Vice President Ignacio Milam Tang and Second Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

In addition to the Ministry of Finance building, which was built by the Chinese company Dailian, the President also inaugurated a new building for the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) in Malabo II. The new Secretary-General, Jeronimo Osa Osa Ecoro, welcomed the President at the opening ceremony and thanked him for his support in promoting development throughout the nation.

The President’s dedication to development was later showcased at the third inauguration that day for the boardwalk – a significant addition that will benefit all Equatoguineans, according to the President. “The boardwalk”, he said, “is a reflection of the country’s progress in industrialization, for all of the elements used were of local origin.”

President Obiang has taken great strides to improve national development and promote growth, which can be seen through these projects as well as future ones including the new headquarters for the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, based in Mongomo.

The new building will incorporate the National School of Electricity of Equatorial Guinea (ENEGE), created in 2011 to provide training for national electrical technicians who would replace expatriate specialists throughout the country. By providing a new school building in conjunction with the new Ministry of Mines headquarters, the Government is showing its commitment to become an emerging country by 2020 – its ultimate goal.

Remarkable Development In Equatorial Guinea, Says Ambassador

October 18, 2013, 8:26 am

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Washington, D.C. Embassy Celebrates West African Nation’s Independence

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is committed “to fully develop the country democratically, economically and socially” and the results so far are impressive, said Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue, Equatorial Guinea’s ambassador to the United States.

The ambassador made the remarks at a reception at the Equatorial Guinea Embassy in Washington to celebrate the 45^thanniversary of the West African nation’s independence.

During his welcome speech, Ambassador Nsue Mangue said that development in Equatorial Guinea is visible to everyone who has been able to visit the country. The government is heavily investing its oil resources in improving the standard of living of its citizens, which includes improving the education, infrastructure, health and other sectors.

“UNESCO reports that we have the highest adult literacy rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 93%,” Ambassador Nsue Mangue said. “In July, 153 nurses graduated the National University of Equatorial Guinea… Our infrastructure and road system have been entirely rebuilt over the last few years. Now, all our villages are connected to the cities and regional centers.” 

Equatorial Guinea has also made vast improvements in the health sector.

“Modern hospitals have been built and staffed in our capital, Malabo, and the largest city on the mainland, Bata, “the ambassador said. “Our country is one of the only two in Africa supporting malaria vaccine clinical trial aimed at eliminating malaria.”

Ambassador Nsue Mangue said that his government is aggressively pursuing electrification in Equatorial Guinea and that soon even the most remote villages will have electric power.

He said that Equatorial Guinea’s government wishes to strengthen its ties with the United States and work with the United States for the benefit of both nations.

U.S. Department of State representatives, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Cynthia Akuetteh, attended the event, as well as ambassadors, Marathon Oil representatives, and Equatorial Guinea’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Anatolio Ndong Mba.

Ambassador Nsue Mangue recently presented his credentials to President Obama. Previously, he was Equatorial Guinea’s ambassador to the African Union in Addis Ababa.

President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea Meets with Pope

October 31, 2013, 6:15 am

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President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guineamet with Pope Francis at the Vatican last week and exchanged with Vatican officials the instruments of ratification of an agreement with the Holy See on relations between the Catholic Church and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

The agreement was signed a year ago in the Basilica of Mongomo and enters into force with the exchange of instruments between the two parties.

According to Vatican Radio, the agreement confirms the good bilateral relations between the two states, recognizes the legal personality of the church and its institutions, and covers canonical marriage, places of worship, educational institutions, and spiritual assistance to the Catholic faithful in hospitals and prisons.

The Vatican described the meeting between President Obiang and the Pontiff as “cordial,” and said that Pope Francis had highlighted “the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in favour of the human, social, and cultural development of the country…, particularly in the fields of education and welfare, as was the collaboration with the State to improve the standard of living of the population.”

The United Nations estimates that Equatorial Guinea is 93% Christian and 87% Roman Catholic.

The U.S. Department of State reported in 2013, “The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom…. There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.”

“We were well received by the Holy Father, who is very interested in our country and has sent greetings and blessings to the people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea,” said President Obiang at a press conference held after his return from Rome.

After their meeting, President Obiang attended a mass at the tomb St. Peter. He returned to Equatorial Guinea shortly afterward on Sunday, October 27, and held a press conference to discuss the significance and success of the historic meeting.

Delegates Meet in Equatorial Guinea to Plan 53rd OAPI Summit

November 7, 2013, 10:23 am

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Experts visit Malabo to discuss plans for the upcoming assembly next December

Delegates from the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) arrived in Malabo last week to discuss plans for the 53^rdOAPI session, which will be held in Equatorial Guinea next December.

Director-General Dr. Paulin Edou Edou is leading the delegation, which first met with summit organizers, including President Anacleto Olo Mibuy from the Council of Scientific and Technological Research of Equatorial Guinea (CICTE), to discuss the logistics and planning of the upcoming assembly.

During its visit, the delegation will pay particular attention to addressing matters of finance, accommodation, communication and health, among other topics of importance. In addition, they will also visit various tourist and cultural attractions throughout the country.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has taken significant strides recently to take an active role in the international community and support efforts to increase international cooperation in political, economic, cultural and scientific matters, including by hosting international events. Along with hosting next year’s summit, Equatorial Guinea will also assume the presidency of the OAPI organization in 2014, making next year’s summit even more important for the nation. 

Equatorial Guinea's Second Vice President Holds Talks on Security Cooperation in Visit to South Africa

November 7, 2013, 12:28 pm

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Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Second Vice President for Defense and State Security of Equatorial Guinea, traveled to South Africa this week for talks aimed at strengthening security cooperation between the two countries and reviewing the security situation in Africa.

Mr. Nguema met with President Jacob Zuma and Secretary of Defense Dr. Sam Makhudu Gulube as well as with directors of the company Denel Group, to explore opportunities to purchase military equipment.

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Equatorial Guinea Graduates 400 I.T. Students from TICGE Center

November 11, 2013, 2:01 pm

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TIGCE Center to provide home-grown IT professionals

Four hundred students received diplomas in information technology at a graduation ceremony last week at Equatorial Guinea’s Center for Information Technology and Communication (TICGE). Prime Minister of Government for Administrative Coordination Vicente Ehate Tomi represented President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the graduation.

Agapito Mba Mokuy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, also attended the graduation ceremony to express the government’s support of the program and to underscore the need to strengthen the nation’s technology sector.

In his speech, Foreign Minister Mba Mokuy said that the program is a result of President Obiang’s efforts to reduce the country’s digital gap.

Leo Heileman, Equatorial Guinea country director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), attended on behalf UN system agencies. UNDP is one of the supporters of the project.

The TICGE project was founded in February 2012 in Malabo as part of the Action Plan of the World Summit on the Information Society through Popularization of Information and Communication Technology.

The Obiang’s Administration hopes to spur development and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship through programs such as the TICGE project. Strengthening the technology sector is one of the Government’s top priorities. 

Equatorial Guinea to Maintain Visa Requirements for CEMAC Citizens

November 12, 2013, 5:51 am

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Government opts out of Agreement on Free Movement of Persons and Goods in order to preserve local employment opportunities.

The government of Equatorial Guinearecently announced its decision to not apply the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons and Goods in the Area of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) in the country. Equatorial Guinea maintains that applying the agreement in Equatorial Guinea would undermine its efforts to provide employment opportunities for its citizens, one of its top priorities.

Equatorial Guinea has made strong efforts to manage illegal immigration in recent years and has adopted several procedures and restrictions for foreign workers in order to ensure that foreigners do not take employment opportunities from its citizens.

Last year, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Second Vice President, in charge of National Defense and State Security, announced the restriction on the distribution of visas to foreign workers seeking jobs that could be performed by Equatoguinean citizens, much like immigration-control regimes in effect in the United States, the countries of the European Union, and other countries. 

“We want to encourage and support national employment,” said the Vice President on a state television announcement. “We will enforce labor laws, which state that foreign employees cannot exceed 10 percent of a company’s staff,” he said.

The agreement would have allowed citizens from the member countries--Gabon, Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Chad and Equatorial Guinea--to be able to move freely among the six CEMAC member states without the need to obtain the corresponding entry visas. This agreement would have come into effect on January 1, 2014.

The country has also tightened its border procedures to prevent people entering the country illegally. Earlier last year, the government tightened border procedures with Cameroon. Two years ago, Equatorial Guinea addressed border issues with Gabon. Both countries met at the UN to discuss their border issues in a peaceful manner.

Equatorial Guinea’s flourishing economy continues to attract foreign migrants from neighboring countries seeking employment opportunities. The government policy will not affect jobs for which there are no qualified Equatoguineans, but the government strongly encourages companies to train local workers for skills that are now lacking in the workforce. 

The decision was approved during the Extraordinary Ministerial Council held on November 8, 2013, held at the People's Palace of Malabo, chaired by the President of the Republic, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Africa Must Have a Fair Presence in the UN Security Council by 2015, Says Equatorial Guinea

November 12, 2013, 9:25 am

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UN body should reflect changes in the world since UN’s founding in 1945, ambassador tells General Assembly

Anatolio Ndong Mba, Equatorial Guinea Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has called for Africa and other continents to have a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

The ambassador made the remarks during the debates over equitable participation of members in the UN Security Council, which took place at the 68^th UN General Assembly Plenary Session on November 7.

A UN recent statement highlighted debate speakers’ call for a permanent Africa seat in the UN Security Council. “The expansion of the Security Council with more balanced and equitable representation, especially regarding Africa, had gained broad support among delegates, as the General Assembly concluded its debate on reform of the 15-member body.”

During his speech, Ambassador Ndong Mba said that reform had been discussed for many decades and that it is time to recognize the right of countries in all regions to be represented on the Security Council. He noted that it was right for Africa to have a permanent seat. “Isn’t it fair to recognize the rights of all countries, and all regions to have a proper and lawful representation in the Security Council of the United Nations?” Ambassador Ndong Mba said. “Is it not time that the African continent, which is the region with more member states, be acknowledged the right to have permanent representatives in the Security Council and the right to veto?”

He said it was inconceivable that the African continent, which has more than a billion people, didn’t have a seat on the Security Council.

Ambassador Ndong Mba called for negotiations that would “lead…the United Nations [to adapt] to the challenges and obstacles of an international order totally different from what existed 68 years ago, a new world very different from when the United Nations was established, a world that is not the product of war but of technological innovations, a world within the UN rights advocates, dialogue, democracy, transparency, good governance. It is therefore a reality that must be configured within the institutions of the United Nations in general and the Security Council in particular.”

Ambassador Ndong Mba repeated President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s statement during the 68^thUNGA:“We need to be honest with ourselves, with a just and equitable system, democracy must reign amongst the UN organs, as an epicenter of an international community that seeks peace, order and development.”

“My country and government believe that all the States, regions, and interest groups are called to speak in the context of this reform process, for an equal, objective and impartial representation on the Security Council and the United Nations system. This is our desire, the desire for a restructuring of the Security Council in particular and the United Nations system, taking into account the interests of all states and geographical regions that form the international community,” said Ambassador Ndong Mba.

London Celebrates First Week of Equatorial Guinea Culture

November 13, 2013, 1:00 pm

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Exhibit showcases West African nation’s traditional and modern art

Guillermina Mekuy, Delegate Minister of Culture and Tourism of Equatorial Guinea, accompanied Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in the UK, Mari Cruz Evuna Ademe, to the inaugural cultural week of Equatorial Guinea in London.

The event took place on November 4, 2013 at the Pall Mall Gallery, where there was a celebration of Equatoguinean culture that included an exhibit dedicated specifically to sculptor Leandro Mbomio who recently passed away.

In addition, there were performances by some of the nation’s most well known artists such as Ceiba Ballet and Piruchi Apo.

Ambassador Mari Cruz Evuna Ademe expressed her satisfaction with the exhibit and stated that she believes art and culture have the ability to bring people together and build strong relations. “I hope that this exhibit will help develop an understanding of my country here in the UK,” she said.

The Delegate Minister of Culture and Tourism supported the Ambassador by saying that Equatorial Guinea believes “in the integration with other countries” and that President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is working to turn the country into a tourist and cultural destination and strengthen its role in the international community. 

Equatorial Guinea Strengthens Relations with China in Official Visit

November 13, 2013, 1:18 pm

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Second Vice President Meets with Chinese Vice President

Equatorial Guinea’s Second Vice President for Defense and State Security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, met with Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, this week to discuss improving ties between Malabo and Beijing.

During the meeting, Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue, said Equatorial Guinea and China are good friends and that he hoped to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in such sectors as infrastructure, oil industry and healthcare.

The Global Timesreported that Vice President Yuanchao said that both sides are in an important stage of development and “voiced hope for the two nations to deepen political mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields such as oil industry, credit and loans, engineering and personnel training to upgrade bilateral ties to a new level."

During Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue’s stay in China, he will visit three cities where he will meet with state authorities to learn about development in China and discuss opportunities for business and investment.