Equatorial Guinea announced on Monday the closure of its embassy in London following sanctions imposed for alleged corruption by the United Kingdom against Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodorin Obiang Mangue, who is also the President’s son, have we learned from official sources.
Thus, Malabo will “proceed with the total closure” of its diplomatic mission in London, said Monday Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs on TVGE, state television.
Vice President Obiang Mangue was sanctioned last Thursday by the British authorities, who accuse him of “embezzlement of public funds” and bribes that would have allowed him to finance a lifestyle considered lavish.
Image Contrast
In the country, man maintains a carefully elaborated image.
In a profile published at the end of June on YouTube on the occasion of its 53rd anniversary, the press service of the vice presidency portrays Obiang as an accomplished senior official.
A military officer with the rank of Major General, he was responsible for the defence of the country. Previously, he was Ambassador to UNESCO and had previously served as Minister. He is also the owner of the only privately owned media company in Equatorial Guinea, Asonga Radio and Television. A philanthropist, he is nicknamed “Santa Claus of Equatorial Guinea”, says the video.
But in the Western world, Mr. Obiang is perceived in a completely different way.
Son of 79-year-old Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea for over 41 years, Teodorin – Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue for civil status – reportedly spent more than $500 million on the acquisition of luxury residences around the world, a private jet, cars and collectibles related to singer Michael Jackson.
He had also been named in various so-called “ill-gotten goods” cases in Switzerland and the United States. Accusations he dismissed.
“Interference”
“We do not allow interference in the internal affairs of our country,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, continuing that the sanctions “violate the principle of international law”.
These measures, which include freezing assets and prohibitions on entry into the UK, were taken as part of an anti-corruption sanctions regime that had already punished 22 individuals from six different countries in April.
“The baseless sanctions imposed by the British government are justified by the manipulations, lies (…) promoted by some non-governmental organizations against the good image of Equatorial Guinea”, the Equatorial Guinea authorities reacted on Saturday, calling for the lifting of “unilateral and illegal” sanctions.
Source : VoaAfrique
