Equatorial Guinea Government Resigns as President Obiang Cites Corruption and Missed Targets
Equatorial Guinea’s government has submitted its resignation, a move confirmed by Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. The Vice-President, who is also the son of the country’s long-serving leader, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, indicated that the government had achieved a mere 10% of its mandated targets.
While specific targets were not detailed, the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) issued a statement noting President Obiang’s criticisms. These included the government’s perceived fostering of corruption, the misuse of state resources for personal gain, and a failure to advance economic diversification. Furthermore, the statement highlighted stagnation in development project implementation and a lack of progress in agricultural sector policies aimed at reducing reliance on imports.
President Obiang, who has governed the oil-rich West African nation since 1979, appointed the outgoing government in 2024 with Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua as Prime Minister. The President has historically maintained a strong grip on power, often appointing family members to prominent governmental roles. Vice-President Obiang Mangue emphasised that the resignation aligns with the principle that “responsibility in public management must be accompanied by results,” deeming the execution level “clearly insufficient.”
Equatorial Guinea’s economy remains heavily reliant on petroleum, which accounts for the vast majority of its exports and revenue. Despite this oil wealth, poverty persists for much of the nation’s 1.8 million inhabitants. The economy has faced a decline in recent years, impacted by reduced oil production and demand.
