Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has requested French President Emmanuel Macron's personal intervention in a dispute over a Paris property confiscated from his country. The property, which houses Equatorial Guinea's diplomatic representation in France, was seized in 2021 after Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the country's vice-president, was convicted of embezzlement, money laundering and abuse of social assets.
The confiscation and subsequent sale of the property in June this year strained relations between Equatorial Guinea and France. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo expressed his concerns in a message to President Macron, published on the Equatoguinean government's website. He sought a solution that would allow both countries to move forward without either side suffering humiliation or damage to its dignity.
The dispute between Equatorial Guinea and France has been ongoing for several years, with Malabo contesting the confiscation through various legal channels. Despite two rulings by the International Court of Justice in favor of France, diplomatic tensions persist. Equatorial Guinea's vice-president has threatened to sever ties with Paris over the issue.
President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power for over 47 years, holding the record for the longest-serving head of state. He met with President Macron on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, where he requested the French leader's support in resolving the property dispute. The Equatoguinean president emphasized the importance of finding a solution based on mutual respect and preserving good relations between the two countries.
In addition to seeking help with the property dispute, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo invited President Macron to visit Equatorial Guinea and participate in a proposed gas pipeline project with Nigeria. He also asked France to strengthen its cooperation with Equatorial Guinea in military training, particularly in the naval sector.
The gas pipeline project and military cooperation are key areas where Equatorial Guinea hopes to strengthen its ties with France. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's visit to Paris and his meeting with President Macron are seen as efforts to ease tensions and improve relations between the two countries.
Key points
- Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has asked French President Emmanuel Macron for personal help in resolving a dispute over a Paris property confiscated from his country.
- The dispute between Equatorial Guinea and France has been ongoing for several years, with Malabo contesting the confiscation through various legal channels.
- President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power for over 47 years, holding the record for the longest-serving head of state.
