**Title: Entire Government of Equatorial Guinea Resigns Amid Economic Challenges**
Equatorial Guinea's entire government has resigned following its failure to meet key performance targets, as announced by Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue on Tuesday. The resignation was submitted by Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua during an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers.
Osa, who previously served as the head of the national bank, was appointed to lead the government in August 2024 after the prior administration stepped down in response to criticism from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The criticism was directed at the government's handling of the economy, social cohesion, and issues of corruption.
In his statement, Vice President Obiang Mangue revealed that the government's performance had fallen significantly short of expectations, with only about 10% of established objectives being met. While he did not specify which targets were unmet, he emphasized that the degree of execution was "clearly insufficient" given the commitments made by the executive branch. He stressed that the trust placed in the government by the head of state necessitated a high level of effectiveness, discipline, management capability, accountability, and a clear focus on results.
Equatorial Guinea, located on the west coast of Central Africa, is one of the continent's major oil producers. Despite its wealth in hydrocarbons, the country has struggled to improve living standards for its citizens. According to a recent economic update from the World Bank, the economy grew by an estimated 0.9% in 2024; however, this growth was insufficient to protect jobs and income levels. The report noted that over half of the population continues to live in poverty.
The World Bank also highlighted ongoing challenges for the nation, including declining oil production and exports, which are expected to hinder economic progress. Projections indicate that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) may contract by an average of 1.2% between 2025 and 2027.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since a military coup in 1979, is the longest-serving president in the world. His administration has faced accusations from human rights organizations regarding the suppression of dissent and the concentration of oil wealth among the ruling elite. The government has consistently rejected these claims, labeling them as foreign interference.
The resignation of the entire government marks a significant moment in Equatorial Guinea's political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the country and its ability to address pressing economic issues. As the nation seeks to recover from its current challenges, the focus will likely shift to the appointment of a new government and the strategies it will implement to improve the lives of Equatoguineans.