Equatorial Guinea :: Duty to investigate
Pressure mounts on CPLP to verify human rights abuses in the country
The CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) is under increasing pressure to conduct a mission to look into the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea. The admission of the country into the block, in July 2014, was marked by criticisms and requests for the other members to investigate the numerous complaints of persecution of political opponents, the application of the death penalty and other violations by the government of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been power for 37 years. The investigation was never conducted.
In a letter sent to the foreign ministers of the member states, the organizations Conectas and EG Justiçe stated that the CPLP has the duty to verify the African government’s compliance with the block’s principles and statutes. According to the document, besides including meetings with civil society and with different voices from the political spectrum, the block should recommend specific and demonstrable reforms to the Equatoguinean authorities.
The organizations claim that widespread corruption, lack of democracy and complete disregard for the basic rights of the population is increasingly evident in the country. The document goes on to say that despite continually denying these violations in international forums, “President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo approves of and encourages torture and impunity in Equatorial Guinea”.
- Click here to read the letter in full.
