The History of a country where Father & Son serve as President & Vice President

The History of a country where Father & Son serve as President & Vice President. The story of Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa’s cleanest countries, started in 1968. The Spanish Guinea, now known as Equatorial Guinea, gained independence under the influence and leadership of Macias Nguema, the uncle to the current president of Equatorial Guinea, […]

The History of a country where Father & Son serve as President & Vice President.

The story of Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa’s cleanest countries, started in 1968. The Spanish Guinea, now known as Equatorial Guinea, gained independence under the influence and leadership of Macias Nguema, the uncle to the current president of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Obiang.

Born into a poor family, Macias Nguema, a village chief who was also a witch doctor, became the first president of the country after a referendum. Barely four months after independence, Mr. Francisco Macias Nguema realized the importance of being the president and consolidated power by increasing his grip on the throne. He ruled the country with an iron fist for the next 11 years, unaware that his own blood (protege), Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whom he appointed as the commander of the national guard, would eventually overthrow him

During Macias Nguema’s presidency, he implemented bizarre policies, including banning the wearing of glasses, using the word “knowledge,” and prayers. He also ordered Christians to include his name when preaching or praying and display his portrait in all churches. Additionally, he banned libraries, schools, and the use of Western medicine. What’s surprising is that he believed he could communicate with those he assassinated, even ordering the palace chef to serve extra plates during dinner for his imaginary visitors.

However, on June 6, 1979, Macias Nguema made a fatal mistake by assassinating Obiang’s younger brother, who had complained about unpaid salaries. This mistake, combined with other mismanagement, fueled Obiang’s anger and led to Macias Nguema’s overthrow. He was put in a psychiatric before being sentenced to death after being put on trial and found guilty on 500 counts. Many soldiers refused to participate in the execution, fearing Macias Nguema’s spirit would haunt them, which led to the hiring of Moroccan troops to carry out the execution.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, then a 37-year-old (born on June 5, 1942), began implementing reforms to restore the country’s dignity. After years of authoritarian rule, Obiang restored international media, human rights, and relations with the international community. He also applied for UN membership, which was granted. Equatorial Guinea transitioned to multiparty democracy in 1992, but Obiang’s party remained dominant.

The discovery of large oil deposits in 1995 catapulted Equatorial Guinea’s GDP, making it one of Africa’s richest countries and the third-largest oil producer by early 2000s. President Obiang survived six coup attempts and appointed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Jr, as vice president in 2012 for his safety.

The younger Obiang, worth over $600 million, heads the anti-corruption commission and is known for his lavish spending, including purchasing Michael Jackson’s memorabilia. Despite his success, he has lost several properties and over 11 luxury cars to sanctions.

Today, Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa’s cleanest countries, with world-class infrastructure and it successfully hosted the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations alone, finishing fourth in the tournament.

Written By Luckson F Mvula

From My Diary #TBT