Equatorial Guinea’s Second Vice President and Head of Defense and State Security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, was recently promoted to the rank of colonel of the army of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
As vice president, Obiang Mangue already exercises oversight and policy guidance over the nation’s armed forces. He will continue to lead the ministry of defense, which encompasses the country’s ground, air and naval forces, and the ministry of national security, which encompasses police forces and control of immigration and borders.
During his vice-presidency, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has called for increased pay and improved living conditions for the military to go hand in hand with greater professionalism and improved capabilities. He has also called for a reduction in the number of immigrant workers in order to provide more employment opportunities for citizens of Equatorial Guinea.
Prior to his vice-presidency, Obiang Mangue served as minister of agriculture and forestry.