Equatorial Guinea’s President Calls for Vigilante Justice Amid Economic Crisis

A Culture of Violence

In a shocking statement, Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has suggested that citizens who kill suspected criminals should not be brought to justice. The oil-rich African nation is grappling with an economic crisis sparked by the decline in oil prices.

The Economic Crisis

Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa’s largest oil exporters, but its citizens are said to be living in poverty due to corruption and mismanagement of the country’s wealth. The economic situation has left many of Equatorial Guinea’s 740,000 inhabitants living in poverty.

President Nguema’s Statement

During a recent stop on his nationwide tour, the President urged citizens to mobilize against crime and told them that they have the right to take matters into their own hands. “When someone catches an offender, even if he kills him, we are not going to allow the justice to question this person,” Nguema said in Bata, the country’s largest city.

The Consequences of Vigilante Justice

Critics have long accused Obiang Nguema of using his position to enrich himself and his family members, including his son Teodorin, who was recently promoted to vice-president and is also facing financial trial in France. The head of state has been in power since 1979 and won re-election with over 90% of the vote last year.

Human Rights Concerns

The President’s call for vigilante justice has sparked concern among human rights groups and experts who warn that it could lead to further violence and instability in the country. They argue that this approach will only exacerbate the problem and lead to further suffering for the country’s citizens.

Criticism of the President’s Tour

The President’s tour is intended to thank citizens for his re-election and to showcase public works projects, but many have criticized him for using the visit as an opportunity to promote a culture of vigilantism.