Equatorial Guinea cabinet quits after achieving just 10% of goals
Equatorial Guinea’s entire Cabinet has resigned after falling significantly short of government objectives, according to Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, reports The Associated Press on June 18th.
The vice president announced on June 16th that Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsuga had submitted the government’s resignation following a review of its performance. According to Obiang, the administration achieved only 10% of its planned targets, a result he described as far below expectations.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Obiang said the level of implementation was “clearly insufficient” compared to the commitments made by the government. However, officials did not provide details on how the targets were assessed or measured.
The ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was dissatisfied with the government’s record. Party officials pointed to several shortcomings, including corruption, delays to development projects, and a lack of progress in diversifying the country’s economy.
Despite being one of Africa’s leading oil producers, Equatorial Guinea has long struggled to reduce its dependence on the energy sector. Critics have argued that economic diversification efforts have moved slowly despite repeated government pledges.
Authorities are expected to announce a new Cabinet in the coming days. However, analysts suggest the reshuffle is unlikely to bring major political change.
President Obiang has ruled the Central African nation since 1979, making him Africa’s longest-serving head of state. He maintains extensive control over the country’s political system and is responsible for appointing government officials.
Equatorial Guinea has frequently faced criticism from international human rights organizations. Rights groups and the US State Department have accused authorities of suppressing dissent through arbitrary detention, torture, and other abuses against political opponents and critics.
The country has also drawn recent attention for becoming one of several African nations to sign agreements with the administration of US President Donald Trump to accept third-country deportees.
The Cabinet’s resignation marks a rare public acknowledgment of government underperformance, though observers say it is unlikely to alter the country’s existing power structure.
The Associated Press, Maghrebi.org
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