Financial Crime World

Corruption and Impunity Plague Equatorial Guinea

A new report highlights the rampant corruption and lack of accountability in Equatorial Guinea, despite the country’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption efforts.

Corruption and Lack of Accountability

The report covers the period from 2018 to 2022 and reveals that the sons of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have been embroiled in several trials in different jurisdictions, including the US, UK, and France. Despite the existence of a legal framework and mechanisms pertaining to anti-corruption, these are largely not enforced or implemented.

Judicial System and Penitentiary System

Equatorial Guinea has ratified international legal instruments pertaining to organized crime, but it is not a party to key international agreements regarding corruption and bribery. The government has committed to strengthening anti-corruption efforts, but has yet to fully implement any of the measures.

  • The country’s judicial system is still not independent, with the president serving as chief magistrate and no specialized judicial units existing to counter organized crime.
  • The penitentiary system is overcrowded and plagued by poor conditions, including sanitation issues, denial of medical care, and physical abuse.

Law Enforcement and National Security

Law enforcement has limited presence in major cities and rural areas, often engaging in extortion. National security forces are accused of engaging in torture and other violent acts during interrogations with impunity.

Economic and Financial Environment

The country’s economic and financial environment is also marred by corruption and lack of transparency. The implementation and enforcement of anti-money laundering laws are weak, and officials have been investigated by foreign authorities for money laundering and corruption.

  • Equatorial Guinea is one of the worst countries in which to conduct business, due to pervasive corruption, risks of extortion, and onerous bureaucratic procedures.
  • The discovery and exploitation of large oil and gas reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth, but fluctuating oil prices and slowing or declining oil production have resulted in lower GDP growth.

Human Rights Concerns

The government’s attempts to develop formal victim screening and referral procedures for human trafficking victims are also plagued by lack of coordination and absence of independent NGOs in the country. There are no witness protection mechanisms in place.

  • The report highlights the country’s restrictive media environment, with no independent media outlets and censorship deeply implemented.
  • Foreign journalists face heavy restrictions, including denial of visas to monitor elections.
  • Freedom of association and assembly is severely curtailed, with protests not permitted and police dispersing crowds by force.
  • Civil society activists who work on human rights-related issues often face intimidation, harassment, and reprisals.

Urgent Action Needed

The report calls for urgent action to address the country’s corruption and lack of accountability, including:

  • The establishment of an independent judiciary
  • Effective anti-corruption mechanisms
  • Strengthening of law enforcement agencies
  • Protection of human rights defenders and activists
  • Implementation of international agreements regarding corruption and bribery