The recent and sudden deterioration of Human Rights in Equatorial Guinea is seen as very worrying by Transparency International Portugal (TI Portugal), which is implementing the APROFORT project, funded by the European Union, and which provides legal assistance to victims of Human Rights violations and monitors the situation in the country through the Observatory of Human Rights and Good Governance.
TI Portugal has received reports of armed threats against activist Joaquín Elo Ayeto, as well as news about the summoning by the Ministry of Interior of Ms. Noelia Asama for exercising her freedom of expression, as has happened in the past, although now she has not been arrested.
“In addition to the promise to the CPLP to abolish the death penalty, it is important that the commitments made by Equatorial Guinea in terms of governance within the framework of support mechanisms established with international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund, are accompanied by positive and sustainable actions such as respect for freedom of expression,” says Karina Carvalho, Executive Director of Transparency International Portugal.
In the framework of the APROFORT project, TI Portugal was also informed about the occurrence of detentions of foreign citizens in unclear circumstances, and the denunciation that the authorities of Equatorial Guinea did not perform in a way adjusted to the health risks for these citizens in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The news about the alleged death of a Burkina Faso citizen in these incursions are deeply discouraging.
TI Portugal urges the authorities in Equatorial Guinea to investigate the complaint filed by Joaquin Elo Ayeto against the members of the security forces who allegedly threatened him, and to ensure that all foreign nationals receive legal assistance and proper treatment as a matter of urgency.
APROFORT’s Legal Clinic makes available to all victims its legal assistance services by calling the number +240 333 099 118 or reporting online (and choose your language).