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Tag: Equatorial Guinea

  • Equatorial Guinea fire coach, players over World Cup strike

    Equatorial Guinea fire coach, players over World Cup strike

    Equatorial Guinea have fired coach Juan Micha and kicked out several key players after a strike meant the team failed to travel to Malawi for a World Cup qualifier, with the country now facing possible sanctions from world football body FIFA.

    Several regulars, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, have also been removed from their squad for their last Group H qualifier against Liberia today, officials said.

    Key players refused to travel for their penultimate group qualifier last Thursday, citing continual complaints over conditions and money, after which the coach and some players were kicked out of the squad.

    Micha’s dismissal was confirmed in a social media post from the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation.

    “The Ministry of Sports has given players called up for these FIFA matches who believe they can continue to defend their country the opportunity to put their names on a list,” the statement added.”Otherwise, anyone who doesn’t do so will be deemed to have opted out and will no longer be part of the national team.”

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    A new squad has since been named for today’s match, with Casto Nopo appointed interim coach.

    The list excludes many of the players who were in the squad at the last Cup of Nations, where Equatorial Guinea caused a major sensation by beating hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 in the group phase.

    The result was hailed as the biggest shock in Cup of Nations history and followed an upset 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening fixture of the tournament in early 2024.

    Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the two heavyweights in the group standings but were then eliminated in the last 16 by a last-gasp goal for Guinea.

    Since then, Equatorial Guinea have qualified for the upcoming Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, which kicks off on December 21, but are out of contention for a place at next year’s World Cup.

  • Equatorial Guinea president’s son convicted over alleged sale of national airplane

    Equatorial Guinea president’s son convicted over alleged sale of national airplane

    A court in Equatorial Guinea has convicted Ruslan Obiang Nsue, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, for illegally selling an aircraft belonging to the national carrier.

    The court ruled Tuesday that Obiang Nsue, 50, a former director of Ceiba Intercontinental, must serve six years in prison unless he reimburses the airline roughly $255,000, in addition to damages and a state fine, according to supreme court press director Hilario Mitogo.

    Obiang Nsue was found guilty of selling a Ceiba-owned ATR 72-500 to a Spanish company and pocketing the proceeds. 

    He was first placed under house arrest in 2023 on the order of his half-brother, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

    Read Also: More Equatorial Guinea schools accredited to write NECO’s SSCE, BECE

    The court, however, acquitted him of separate charges of embezzlement and abuse of office.

    Obiang Nsue has previously served as secretary of state for sports and youth. His father, 83, has ruled the oil-rich central African nation for more than four decades.

    In a related case, Obiang Mangue, the vice president, was handed a suspended prison sentence and a $35 million fine by a French court in 2021 after being found guilty of embezzling public funds.

  • More Equatorial Guinea schools accredited to write NECO’s SSCE, BECE

    More Equatorial Guinea schools accredited to write NECO’s SSCE, BECE

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) has accredited more schools to write its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Equatorial Guinea.

    The newly accredited schools, besides the existing ones, are in Bata, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea.

    A statement yesterday by the council’s acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, said the NECO Accreditation Team visited the schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.

    The statement said: “The Accreditation Team inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls, sport facilities and Continuous Assessment (CA) as well as adequacy of teachers and school security to determine their suitability and readiness for NECO examinations.

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    “After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.

    “The accreditation of additional foreign schools is a testament to NECO’s commitment to providing quality education and assessment beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    “With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, offering opportunities for Nigeria students and other foreign nationals worldwide to benefit from its expertise, thus contributing to the advancement of education in Africa and beyond.”

    NECO examinations are now written by candidates in Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte D’ivoire, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  • NECO accredits schools in Niger, Equatorial Guinea for SSCE, BECE

    NECO accredits schools in Niger, Equatorial Guinea for SSCE, BECE

    The National Examination Council (NECO) said it has accredited more foreign schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea in a bid to expand its global presence.

    NECO’s acting director of public relations, Azeez Sanni announced this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    The examination body had last year accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for its examinations.

    The statement said: “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.

    “The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.

    “NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.

    “The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.

    Read Also: NECO refutes claims of unpaid examiners

    “After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”

    Meanwhile, candidates are participating in the ongoing NECO SSCE External in Diffa, Niger Republic.

    According to the council, the UNHCR School, Diffa, Niger Republic, is the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.

    NECO examinations are now written by candidates in Benin Republic, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  • Equatorial Guinea sacks Baltasar Engonga as ANIF boss

    Equatorial Guinea sacks Baltasar Engonga as ANIF boss

    The government of Equatorial Guinea has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) following the discovery of explicit videos leaked online.

    According to Real Equatorial Guinea, the dismissal was ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo after the release of videos featuring Engonga engaging in intimate encounters with high-profile women.

    “According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, Engonga’s removal from office was due to alleged misconduct during his tenure, as well as personal and social behavior deemed incompatible with his public position.”

    The scandal erupted after nearly 400 tapes showing Engonga’s intimate moments with VIP women, including his cousins, were leaked on social media, quickly becoming the subject of intense public scrutiny.

    In response to the scandal, the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Mrs. Obiang, took to Facebook on Wednesday to call for immediate action to protect the dignity of Equatoguinean women in the digital age.

    Read Also: Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime boss Baltasar Ebang Engonga caught in s3x scandal

    Her office emphasised that while progress has been made in gender equality, proactive measures are necessary not only to address such incidents but to prevent them. “It is essential to create a safe and respectful environment for all women,” she said.

    “H.E. Mrs. Constancia Mangue of Obiang, in addition to showing her indignation for this event, has wanted to know the strategy that the Government proposes to mitigate this situation that does nothing but distort and denigrate the image and reputation of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman, despite the efforts made on the issue of gender,” a statement from the First Lady’s Press Office reads.

  • JUST IN: Equatorial Guinea limits WhatsApp amid s3x scandal

    JUST IN: Equatorial Guinea limits WhatsApp amid s3x scandal

    The Government of Equatorial Guinea has restricted its citizens from downloading and sharing multimedia files on WhatsApp when using mobile data.

    This decision came after the government instructed telecommunications operators to curb access to inappropriate content on messaging platforms.

    The move follows a scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the country’s Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, who has been implicated in a controversy involving the wives of prominent figures.

    During an unannounced search of Engonga’s home and office, officials from the Agency of National Financial Investigation (ANIF) discovered several CDs containing footage of his intimate encounters with various married women.

    The videos—over 400 in total—reportedly include high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the Director General of Police, and about 20 ministers’ wives, among others.

    The recordings, reportedly made with the consent of those involved, were leaked online, igniting a media frenzy.

    In response to the scandal, the government has restricted multimedia sharing on WhatsApp, but only when users are on mobile data, forcing citizens to rely on WiFi for sharing photos, videos, and audio. 

    Local news platform Ahora EG reported public frustration over the restrictions, with citizens voicing concerns that the measures unfairly penalize the entire country for the actions of a few individuals.

    One source commented: “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? This restriction on essential communication functions feels disproportionate and punitive, especially for those who rely on these platforms for work and educational purposes, not just entertainment.

    Read Also: Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia, Zambia frustrated by Chad

    “In a world where digitalisation is becoming more and more important, should we shut down our platforms and paralyse our activities due to the actions of a few? Currently, users are forced to rely exclusively on WiFi connections, which not only limits their ability to communicate but also interferes with their daily activities.

    “This situation has generated a heated debate among the population, where many believe that the measure seems to be more focused on controlling than facilitating communication,” the report added.

    Ahora EG also quoted another query, “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few? The authorities have not yet provided any explanation for the reasons behind this restriction, as well as the duration of the same. At a time when information and communication are more vital than ever, the lack of transparency only aggravates citizens’ concerns.”

  • S3x tape: Equatorial Guinea to install surveillance cameras in offices

    S3x tape: Equatorial Guinea to install surveillance cameras in offices

    Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teddy Nguema has announced plans to install surveillance cameras across all state offices. 

    This extensive initiative aims to enforce public service regulations and curb misconduct among officials.

    The Nation reported that during an investigation by the country’s security authorities for alleged fraud, over 300 tapes of Baltasar, showing encounters with multiple women, including some married were recovered and circulating online.

    The videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin and the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea.

    Announced in an X post on Tuesday, the CCTV initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, according to Nguema.

    “We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” it reads.

    The newly implemented surveillance policy is designed to prevent actions that could erode public trust and the ethical standards expected of public officials. 

    Authorities have stated that any infractions captured on camera will face strict penalties.

    “We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it continued.

    The government maintains that this surveillance policy is essential for fostering accountability, though reactions among public sector employees and human rights advocates are mixed. 

    While some officials see it as a positive move towards reform, others express concerns over privacy issues. Details on the rollout timeline and the full extent of surveillance remain unspecified. 

    However, the government has affirmed that the initiative complies with existing legal frameworks intended to enhance governance and protect public resources. 

     Vice President Teddy Nguema emphasized that installing surveillance systems in state offices signals a firm commitment to combating corruption and misconduct, marking a significant step toward building a transparent and trustworthy public service environment.

    “The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour. We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.

    On Monday, the Vice President announced that officials found engaging in sexual relations within ministry offices will face immediate suspension, as this conduct breaches the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law. 

    He emphasized that this firm action underscores a zero-tolerance stance against behaviors that compromise the integrity of public service.

    “Today we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.

    Read Also: Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime boss Baltasar Ebang Engonga caught in s3x scandal

    “The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.

    “This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service.

    “Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust.

    “Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”

  • Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia, Zambia frustrated by Chad

    Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia, Zambia frustrated by Chad

    Equatorial Guinea edged past Liberia with a 1-0 win in their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier, thanks to a first-half penalty from Iban Salvador.

    The forward converted from the spot in the 34th minute after Sampson Dweh fouled Salvador inside the box.

    This result moves Equatorial Guinea into second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Liberia remains rooted to the bottom with just one point from their three outings.

    Algeria leads the group with a perfect nine points after three matches, and Togo is third with two points.

    Despite Liberia pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to break down the Equatorial Guinean defense.

    Several substitutions from both teams couldn’t alter the outcome, with Equatorial Guinea holding on for the vital three points.

    Mozambique and Eswatini share the spoils in 1-1 draw

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    Mozambique and Eswatini played out a 1-1 draw in their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Group I qualifier, with both teams finding the net in the second half.

    Mozambique took the lead in the 73rd minute through Stanley Ratifo, who slotted home from close range following a well-worked move.

    Eswatini equalized just seven minutes later through Thubelihle Mavuso, whose left-footed effort found the top corner.

    The result keeps Mozambique at the top of the group with five points from three matches, while Eswatini remain at the bottom with just one point.

    Mali and Guinea Bissau, who each have games in hand, are closely trailing.

    Both sides had chances to win the game late on, but neither could capitalize, leaving the group wide open as the teams prepared for their next fixtures.

  • Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea sign pacts on petroleum, security

    Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea sign pacts on petroleum, security

    Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed pacts on a number of areas, including  petroleum and  security.  

    The agreements were reached shortly before a dinner organised in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s honour by   host President Teodoro   Mbasogo in Malabo yesterday.

    During the dinner, President  Tinubu  emphasised the importance of peace and unity in  catalysing Africa’s development . 

    He stated that “the time is now” for the continent   to be in  charge of solving its  problems.

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    The Nigerian leader highlighted the  brain drain and talent loss Africa faces due to poverty, archaic judicial systems and tribalism. He advised that  these issues must be addressed to foster development.

    President Tinubu also appealed to international organisations to invest more in African research and development.

    He said: “We have to work together to make peace the focus of our development in order to really develop. Without peace you cannot develop.

    “Our problem is not that we don’t know what to do, we identify them, we understand what to do, our problem is how and when we should do them and I say the time is now.

    “We better roll our sleeves, put on our nickers and move for peace, stability and progress

    “Why are we complaining about healthcare problem if our doctors cannot have a home in their continent, if our nurses are faced with destitution, if our judicial system is archaic, if tribe is the hero in the middle of nothing?”

    “Tribalism has no place in Africa, we have to take the continent and take it strongly and… it together, help one another, develop our resources for our progress, find solutions among ourselves, dwell on research and develolement, reward those research and development programmes, bring out the results, don’t sell it out.

    “To the international organizations, we say thank you, we are partners, we’ll continue to partner, but put more than half of the results of research and development here in the continent, we have a lot of youths to cater for, millions of them yearning for progress.”

    The President also stressed the need for collective action to address conflicts in regions such as the Congo Republic and the Sahel.

    He said;”Our gathering here today(yesterday) is a significant milestone in the history of Africa and particularly West Africa, between Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

    “I am very happy to have listened to the very deep thinking coming from my brother, the President of Equatorial Guinea on Africa.

    “Yes, it is Africa that must solve its own problems. They want Africa wretched and raggedy, full of conflicts, antagonism of one another, but we’re saying no. Peace, stability and democracy are the way forward for a progressive development and we agreed on that.

    “We definitely will continue to promote peace and stability throughout the continent.’’

  • Guinea edge 10-man Equatorial Guinea to 16th Round

    Guinea edge 10-man Equatorial Guinea to 16th Round

    Mohamed Bayo headed a 98th -minute winner as Guinea reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea, who had earlier missed a penalty.

    Equatorial Guinea midfielder Federico Bikoro was dismissed 10 minutes after the break for catching Bayo in the ribs with his studs.

    The National Thunder were awarded a spot-kick midway through the second half after Sekou Sylla caught Iban Salvador, but captain Emilio Nsue hit the base of the right-hand upright.

    And, with the game set to head to extra time, striker Bayo stooped to guide Ibrahim Diakite’s cross from the right flank just inside the near post in the final minute of added time.

    Guinea had barely made their one-man advantage count in the final 35 minutes, although goalkeeper Jesus Owono was forced to tip a header from striker Serhou Guirassy over the bar in the closing stages.

    Yet Bayo’s dramatic late goal broke the resistance of the Equatoguineans and sent Syli National into the last eight for the first time since 2015, as Guinea triumphed for the first time in seven appearances in the knock-out stages at the finals.

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    Equatorial Guinea had been the surprise package from the group stage, winning Group A ahead of Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire  as Nsue netted five goals to top the scoring charts.

    The first half saw scant action in the final third, with Bayo sending an effort into the side-netting early on and Guinea team-mate Morgan Guilavogli firing over from long range.

    Nsue blasted a volley over the bar from 12 yards two minutes after the restart, but the complexion of the game changed when Bikoro was shown a straight red after following through with a clearance in midfield and catching Bayo with some force.

    Equatorial Guinea were handed a glorious chance to take the lead when the Video Assistant Referee intervened to send Omar Artan to his screen on the touchline, and the referee decided Sylla had caught Iban Salvador on the back of the leg after the midfielder had controlled a pass and awarded a penalty.

    But veteran striker Nsue, who plays in the third tier in Spain, could not add to his tally at the finals despite sending Guinea keeper Ibrahim Kone the wrong way.

    Aside from substitute Guirassy’s header, a tame effort from right-back Diakite was all Guinea could muster before the board for eight minutes of added time went up and Bayo won it at the death.

    Equatorial Guinea had reached at least the quarter-finals on their previous three appearances at AFCON, but Juan Micha’s side could not repeat that achievement as 34-year-old Nsue was left to rue his costly miss while Guinea celebrated at the final whistle.

    The West Africans, managed by one-time Arsenal striker Kaba Diawara, had finished behind holders Senegal and Cameroon but progressed to the knock-out stages as one of four best-ranked third-placed sides. Referee Omar Artan reached straight for his red card to send off Federico Bikoro, but awarded Equatorial Guinea a penalty following a VAR check.