Equatorial Guinea Government Resigns After Achieving Only 10% of Development Targets

The government of Equatorial Guinea has stepped down after failing to meet key national development goals, marking a significant political development in the oil-rich Central African country.

The resignation was announced by Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who revealed that the administration achieved only about 10 percent of the objectives assigned to it. In a statement shared on social media, the vice-president described the government’s performance as well below expectations and stressed that public office must be accompanied by measurable results.

According to Mangue, the state had provided substantial human, financial, and material resources to support government programmes designed to improve the lives of citizens. However, he said the level of execution fell far short of the commitments made by the administration.

The outgoing government was led by Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, who was appointed in 2024 by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Nsua, a former governor of the country’s national bank, was brought into office with a mandate to drive economic reforms and improve living standards, particularly for vulnerable and low-income citizens.

However, two years into its tenure, the administration struggled to deliver on its objectives as the country’s economy continued to face significant challenges. Equatorial Guinea remains heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. Declining oil production, reduced foreign investment, and broader economic pressures have further complicated efforts to stimulate growth and create economic opportunities.

In a separate statement, the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea indicated that President Mbasogo was dissatisfied with the government’s performance. The party said the president was particularly concerned about the administration’s inability to advance policies aimed at diversifying the economy.

One of the key areas of concern was agriculture. According to the ruling party, the president believes the sector has the potential to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods by boosting local production and creating sustainable economic opportunities. However, progress toward those goals reportedly fell short of expectations.

The resignation highlights the growing pressure on governments across resource-dependent economies to deliver tangible results amid changing global economic conditions. While Equatorial Guinea has long benefited from its oil wealth, officials increasingly recognize the need to develop other sectors capable of supporting long-term economic stability and reducing dependence on energy exports.

President Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979 and is widely regarded as the world’s longest-serving head of state, is expected to appoint a new cabinet in the coming weeks. The incoming administration will face the difficult task of revitalizing the economy, accelerating diversification efforts, and addressing the challenges that contributed to the departure of its predecessor.

Political observers will be watching closely to see whether the next government can deliver the reforms needed to strengthen economic resilience and improve living conditions for citizens in one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations.